El Estero Beach House

Natural environments have an impact on the psyche, making you feel calm, happy, and peaceful. Afterall, isn’t this why we flock to the beach to unwind, leaving our work and worries behind? Our goal was to create a home that’s not only sensitive to its natural environment, but bridges the link between nature and human habitation in a way that positively impacts daily living. Inspired by the serene landscape of Santa Barbara, this beach home design responds directly to the nature that surrounds it, linking an environmentally sensitive wetland to the Pacific Ocean.

Whether from the living areas, a guest bedroom, or the kitchen, each space is filled with soft natural daylight, cooling ocean breezes, and the sounds of crashing waves and sea birds. The exterior is finished in naturally weathering wood, copper, and concrete, while the interior reflects the tones of the marsh and ocean setting with warm browns, earthy greens, and neutral beiges. Dimensional tile, patterned stone, and reflective glass add movement, echoing waves and wind-blown marsh grasses. Even the brass plumbing fixtures are left to patina naturally. Raw, unpainted plaster walls, light oak floors, natural textiles and art are further visual links to the surroundings. 

The landscaping choices were carefully curated, using wetland plantings along the roadway and marsh, melding into native coastal plants interspersed with pops of color once approaching the house. Stepped concrete planters are filled with flowering plants and grasses that attract local wildlife and insects.  A peek of the ocean greets guests at the entry and visually connects the ocean, marsh, and mountains.