The WOLF Contemporary Beach House project consists of two houses. Initially, the owners built the first house, but as their family grew and their collection of cars and a boat expanded, they found themselves outgrowing the space. When they acquired the adjacent vacant block, they decided to construct a second house, primarily intended as a guest house, while also accommodating their cars and boat.
The challenge was to design the new house without obstructing the stunning views from the original house, which were a key feature. WOLF Architects skillfully positioned the second house slightly offset from the first and carefully arranged the rooms and windows to capitalize on the breathtaking views, ensuring that both homes maintained a strong connection to the natural surroundings.
This project was one of WOLF Architects’ first waterfront designs, and even after 10 years, it still looks as fresh and modern as it did on day one. The houses stand among the finest beachside homes on an international scale, with a strong presence that complements, rather than overwhelms, the stunning setting. The client’s brief called for a home that embodied “understated elegance” and the result achieves exactly that.
The project celebrates the natural magnificence of its environment, embracing the sand, sea, sun, and mountains. With such a prime location, it was vital that all key spaces in both homes not only provided unobstructed views but also maintained a direct connection to the beach. A minimalist design approach was applied to both the interiors and exteriors to honor the landscape.
The defining external feature of the first house is a generously sized infinity pool that runs along its length and connects visually to the sea. This pool enhances the entertainment area, wrapping around three sides of the building and creating a seamless transition between the interior spaces and the beach. The basement houses a multi-car garage and wine cellar, both of which are illuminated by natural light filtering through the underside of the pool. The pool’s glass wall, a significant design and construction challenge, became one of the most expensive features. To balance the budget, the lift, pool spa and retractable outdoor roof coverings were omitted from the design.
“To stand out, or not to stand out… why not both?”
Both houses offer nearly 360-degree views, with large sliding doors and windows providing direct access to the beach. The levels of each house were strategically designed to maximize views of the horizon and distant mountains. A rooftop deck, a signature feature seen in many WOLF Architects Category 3 homes, provides an ideal space for relaxation and stargazing. Though the main house spans four levels, including the basement and rooftop deck, clever use of split leveling and horizontal proportions makes it appear as a sleek two-story home. This approach ensures the house makes an architectural statement without negatively impacting its surroundings.
The upper level’s cantilevered design appears to hover above the sea, while the transparency of the structure allows the natural landscape to remain visible through the building. White was chosen as the primary color, rendered in a durable finish that reflects the client’s heritage and memories of the Greek Islands. The materials were carefully selected for their durability and low maintenance, ensuring that the homes can be locked up and left for months at a time without worry.
