The development and design of a luxury home in Emerald Bay faced significant delays due to various natural and global events. Despite these obstacles, the result is a striking minimalist residence celebrated for its thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail. The intricate process that culminated in the creation of this minimalist home was led by Summer Jensen of Hawk & Co., with architecture from Brandon Architects and landscape design by MDZA Landscape Architecture. The overarching theme is the triumph of design and patience in the face of considerable delays.
The project took five years, starting with a year of planning. Significant delays occurred during the foundation stage, which had to be poured in four separate stages due to challenging conditions. In 2019, excessive rainfall prompted the California governor to declare a state of emergency. Just as this issue was resolving, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, further extending the timeline. However, these delays allowed the design and build team ample time to refine their plans, resulting in an even more polished final product. This protracted timeline, although fraught with setbacks, ultimately became a blessing in disguise, allowing for continuous refinement and unparalleled attention to detail.
Overcoming Natural and Global Challenges
The home, designed for a couple with two school-aged children, emphasizes a space for family living, entertainment, and hosting events. Architect Ryan McDaniel describes the home as featuring a “reverse living concept,” where primary living spaces, including the living and dining rooms, the kitchen, and the primary suite, are located on the top floor to maximize scenic views. Despite the delays, the design team’s perseverance paid off, enabling the home’s layout to benefit fully from its enviable location.
The entry point is at street level, with the garage and staircase, while the middle floor houses secondary bedrooms, a den, and a theater. The home’s terraced design includes varying deck sizes and was constructed using materials such as raked limestone walls, floor-to-ceiling window systems, metal accents, and Western red cedar ceilings and eaves. This combination of elements contributes to the home’s refined, minimalist vision, characterized by a contrastive cream and black palette that draws focus to the coastal views and light-filled spaces. Despite the delays, the meticulous planning and execution ensured that each feature was distinctly optimized.
Thoughtful Design and Meticulous Attention to Detail
In the living room, which seamlessly integrates with the kitchen and dining area, Jensen designed a custom island sofa offering seating in two directions. This setup enhances entertaining options while providing prime vantage points for seasonal whale watching. A notable design feature is the inverted chandelier above the dining table, a sculpture by Korean artist Bahk Seon-Ghi made of hanging pieces of charcoal illuminated by strategically placed light fixtures. This creates a stunning focal point without traditional light sources within the sculpture, transforming the dining area into a visual masterpiece.
The kitchen stands out for its sleek, modern appearance, featuring a black rectangular island that serves as both a practical workspace and an artistic statement. Jensen aimed to maintain the kitchen’s streamlined look by concealing cabinets and appliances. Upper cabinets are lime-washed to blend seamlessly with the walls, while lower cabinets are recessed into the wall to appear as though they have vanished. This approach not only maintains the kitchen’s minimalist aesthetic but also ensures functionality is not compromised.
Creating a Serene Sanctuary
A departure from the home’s overall strong and linear theme is found in the primary bedroom, which offers a serene ambiance with its ivory tones and curved furnishings. This space acts as a sanctuary, providing a stress-free environment through its soft shapes that contrast with the home’s more rigid architectural lines. The design extends to every detail, with Jensen overseeing the selection of all furnishings and even small items like salt and pepper shakers. This meticulous approach ensured that every aspect of the home was cohesively integrated, creating a seamless and tranquil retreat for the homeowners.
Every detail in the primary bedroom was chosen to enhance the sense of peace and relaxation, from the soothing color palette to the subtle textures and finishes. The departure from the home’s more rigid lines to embrace softer curves and gentle forms in the bedroom offers a perfect respite at the end of the day. By prioritizing comfort and visual harmony, the design team managed to create an environment that feels both luxurious and welcoming, epitomizing the home’s overall commitment to thoughtful design.
Additional Features and Refined Ideas
The creation of a luxury home in Emerald Bay faced numerous delays due to various natural and global events. Despite these setbacks, the outcome is a remarkable minimalist residence praised for its thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail. The intricate project was spearheaded by Summer Jensen of Hawk & Co., with architecture from Brandon Architects and landscape design by MDZA Landscape Architecture. The central theme is the victory of design and patience despite significant hindrances.
Spanning five years, the endeavor began with a year dedicated to planning. The foundation stage encountered considerable delays, needing to be poured in four separate stages due to difficult conditions. In 2019, extreme rainfall led the California governor to declare a state of emergency. Shortly after resolving this issue, the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, further extending the timeline. However, these interruptions allowed the design and build team to refine their plans meticulously, resulting in an even more polished final product. This prolonged timeframe, though filled with obstacles, ultimately became a blessing, offering continuous refinement and unmatched attention to detail.
