SPF:architects renovates malibu beach house to maximize light and ocean views

LA-based architecture firm SPF:architects (SPF:a) has renovated a malibu beach house, which was originally completed in 1977 by modernist architect jerrold e. lomax. from its coastal california plot, the ‘taylor beach house’ offers 5,000 square feet (465 sqm square meters) of living space, 50 feet (15 meters) of beach frontage, and unobstructed ocean views from each floor. the comprehensive two-year project saw the existing structure stripped down to its studs with every facet brought up to code.

all images by matthew momberger

SPF:a’s work focused on using advances in material technology to enhance the original design, particularly in regard to maximizing daylight throughout the property. this involved the installation of thinner window frames and high-performance glazing. furthermore, glass floors and transparent surfaces allow light to permeate into different areas of the home. in the same vein, a modest roof aperture was replaced with an operable skylight that stretches along the central axis to thoroughly illuminate the core of the residence.

other significant modifications included the peeling back of plaster column covers to expose the steel structure within, and, more notably, the installation of a metal staircase with glass steps that extends throughout the property. ‘it was important to me that the renovation not compromise the ideals jerry imbued; those being minimalism, functionalism, efficiency, and innovation,’ explains zoltan e. pali, design principal at SPF:a. ‘the resulting transformation is certainly tangible, but this is still very much a lomax house.’

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project info:

name: taylor beach house
location: malibu, california, USA
size: 5,000 sqf / 465 sqm
architect: SPF:architects, jerrold lomax, FAIA
photography: matthew momberger