juan saez pedraja brings the outdoors in to remodel the ramar residence in santa monica

in santa monica‘s sunset park, located about a mile from the pacific ocean, architect juan saez pedraja has remodelled the interior and exterior of an existing family residence dating back to 1958. positioned on a hill site facing south west, the project is oriented towards the incredible views and ocean breeze and combines dark colored volumes with lush vegetation.

the sliding shades allow residents to regulate light and privacy levels

all images © ignacio espigares

in addition to the remodel, a studio space was also required for one of the owners who is a fashion designer. the brief called for a place where she would be able to design and execute her work while also including a lounge area. juan saez pedraja decided to form a detached structure located at the rear of the site in order to take advantage of the views, light and ocean breeze.

the covered outdoor lounge faces south and boasts the best views on the lot

the parcel coverage is close to the maximum square footage allowed by the planning department (only 230 ft2 (21.37 m2) is allowed). this constraint brought the opportunity to utilize outdoor space and integrate it into the design, and as a result, the roof structure extends past the enclosed studio space to cover an exterior lounge and an exterior walkway in front of the studio.

the overhang projects over the exterior walkway and protects the studio from the midday sun

floor to ceiling glass sliding doors separate the studio from the outdoor spaces. when these doors are open, the studio, lounge and walkway become a single space of 400 ft2 (37.16 m2). the southern overhang protects the studio from the midday sun. at the edge of the overhang four sliding floor to ceiling shade structures made out of aluminum frame and cedar slats protect from the morning and afternoon sun as well as mitigate the prevailing winds.

the sliding shades are made of a thin aluminum frame and cedar slats painted in dark grey

the scope of the existing house remodel includes the design of a new master bathroom, full kitchen remodel, new finishes throughout the interior of the house, new exterior façade and balcony stucco treatment and new fenestration. for the interior, a neutral palette of black, grey and white tones was selected. the fireplace wall and stairs are clad with cold rolled steel. 

view of the lounge from the exterior walkway, featuring exposed structural steel posts

with regard to the exterior, structural work was performed in order to extend the existing openings of the living/dining area to allow a better view of the ocean. a dark grey stucco was selected for the exterior. the access and front yard of the house was also redesigned, with a new cantilevered concrete stair allowing access directly to the second floor.

grooves on the polished concrete allow the shade panels to slide

the balcony is a continuation of the interior space

a neutral palette of greys, white and black is used in the kitchen and dining area

the exterior balcony is finished in polished concrete and dark grey stucco

the fireplace area is clad in cold rolled steel

the front openings are extended to enhance the relation with the exterior, which was rendered in a smooth dark grey stucco

the cantilevered concrete stairs and the balcony project from the façade 

project info:

project name: the ramar residence

location: santa monica, california, the US

client: private

date: 2018 – 2020

status: completed

size: 2350 ft2 (218 m2)

architect: juan saez pedraja

consultants:

structural engineer: aram arakelyan

contractor: kevin laurence

photography: ignacio espigares

ironworks: jacobo paredes

FF&E procurement: aeco design

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom