In California’s idyllic Sea Ranch, San Francisco–based Malcolm Davis Architecture has designed a sun-soaked getaway that cleaves close to the spirit of the local, barn-like vernacular with a refreshingly modern twist.

Clad in vertical planks of cedar, the 1,800-square-foot residence—dubbed the Coastal Retreat—comprises two wings thoughtfully angled for optimized views of the Pacific Ocean and minimal site disturbance.

The result is a home that feels like a natural extension of the rocky Sonoma landscape. Even the bright and airy interiors, which follow a crisp, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic, are pared down to retain focus on the spectacular surroundings.

Currently used as a vacation home for a San Francisco–based couple, Coastal Retreat will one day serve as the clients’ retirement home. As such, the architects organized the bulk of the residence along a single floor and used durable, low-maintenance materials as well as open-plan layouts for clear sight lines.

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“One wing houses the social living spaces, and the other the private bedroom spaces,” say the architects of the two-bedroom, two-bath house. “Each wing is intentionally positioned to maximize views of the rugged California coast beyond. The two wings are connected by a light-filled, corrugated weathering steel entryway, and the floor levels are split to gently follow the site’s steep topography.”

A combination of timber surfaces and industrial-inspired materials dominate the interiors from the plywood walls and doors to the concrete flooring and black metal light fixtures.

“The final result is an understated industrial coastal aesthetic that plays harmoniously with the surrounding natural elements, satisfying the clients’ desire for a bit of respite in the unique Sea Ranch community,” explain the architects.

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Malcolm Davis Architecture (@malcolmdavisarchitecture)

Builder/ General Contractor: Empire Contracting Inc.

Structural Engineer: Double-D Engineering

Geotechnical Engineer: RGH Consultants

Landscape Design Company: Floriferous Landscaping, Inc.

Title 24: Energy Calc Company

Arborist: Joe R. Mcbride

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A Sea Ranch Retreat Delivers Scandinavian Style to the California Coast