Project: Wang House
Architects: CALMA, Saez Pedraja
Lead Architects: Juan Saez Pedraja, Cesar and Sergio Cordoba San Emeterio
Structural Engineering: Cristmar Designs
General Contractor: OCS home builders
Location: Santa Monica, California, United States
Area: 1600 ft2
Year: 2021
Photographs: Ignacio Espigares Enriquez
Located in the Ocean Park neighborhood of Santa Monica, the Wang House is a striking example of how modern architecture can harmonize with its dynamic surroundings. Positioned just a block from the bustling Lincoln Blvd and half a mile from the serene Pacific Ocean, this home is set on an unusually elongated corner lot, measuring 80 feet in length and only 25 feet in width.
Balancing Urban and Coastal Influences
The design of the Wang House thoughtfully acknowledges the evolving character of its neighborhood, where the contrasts between urban bustle and coastal calm, as well as traditional bungalows and new oversized developments, are stark. The house aims to harmonize these forces, establishing a tone and scale that complements its complex environment.
The structure features a contemporary, clean-lined volume, softened by a gable roof and cedar siding. This combination brings a touch of materiality that recalls the beachy character of the neighborhood, evoking the feel of traditional cottages while maintaining a modern aesthetic.
Innovative Use of Space
Rather than maximizing the buildable area, the house is set back an additional 3.5 feet from the required setback on the ground floor, creating a linear semi-covered patio along the street side. This design choice effectively extends the living space outdoors, allowing for a seamless transition between the interior and exterior. Large glass sliders separate the indoor living/dining area from this outdoor extension, offering flexibility and enhancing the sense of space.
Inside, the ground floor features a double-height living/dining area that connects to the entry and kitchen on one side and the stairs on the other. The kitchen is elegantly integrated into wood cabinetry, creating a seamless continuation of the living space.
Upper Levels and Passive Cooling
On the second floor, the house cantilevers over the side patio, creating an open gallery that overlooks the living/dining area and connects the master suite to the guest bedroom and bathroom. A built-in bookcase with window seats provides both storage and a cozy perch at the height of the street’s tree canopy. The loft level, with its sloped ceiling, connects two roof decks and features skylights that, when open, allow air to flow from the side yard patio through the double-height space, naturally ventilating the entire house as part of a passive cooling strategy.
Materials and Aesthetics
The interiors of the Wang House are characterized by a muted palette of whites and varying shades of wood, emphasizing the natural materiality of the space. Maple wood, stained to match the French oak flooring, is used for the cabinets, doors, and trims, with hardware kept minimal through the use of built-in finger pulls.
The exterior is clad in cedar siding treated with a natural stain to accelerate aging, giving the house a silvery patina and weathered look reminiscent of traditional beach cottages. The anodized aluminum windows and doors complement the standing seam roof, resonating with the silvery tones of the siding.
The Wang House masterfully integrates modern design with the character and history of its coastal urban environment, creating a residence that is both timeless and rooted in its unique location.
