Laguna Beach Residence Alteration & Addition

Single Family Residence Addition & Alteration in Laguna Beach, CA designed by licensed architect Mustafa Bdaiwi of MBARCHAA. A comprehensive addition and alteration to an existing hillside residence featuring garage modifications, bridge enhancements, and contemporary design elements to maximize spectacular 270-degree ocean views while improving circulation and security.

Project type

Single Family Residence Addition & Alteration

City

Laguna Beach, CA

Category

Residential

Year

2024

Role

Principal Architect

Design approach

Contemporary design with glass curtain walls, CMU materials, and green roof metal connecting garage and main house elements

Program

The client desired an addition to her existing three-level residence in Laguna Beach. The project involved expanding the lower level for increased square footage and creating an addition family room (foyer), relocating the kitchen to the front main level for beach views, improving security and circulation from garage to house, and enhancing the connection between the two-car garage and main house via an existing bridge.

Design features

Split garage design with ramp creating two separate garages connected by curtain wall doors. Glass curtain wall housing new kitchen and foyer at lower level projecting from smooth stucco house with wood trim. Contemporary green roof metal material linking garage and house. Glass railings replacing existing bridge railings. CMU wall introduction at garage for material identity. Exposed diagonal bracing supports at basement level. Art monument at garage entry representing water, earth, and structure.

Public spaces

Kitchen: Relocated to front main level with beach views and curtain wall connection to garage ramp for visitor visibility. Foyer/Living Room: New addition at lower level with glass curtain wall design. Main Level Entry: Enhanced with improved circulation and multiple entry/exit points. Expanded Deck: Main floor deck expansion to capture beach views. Bridge: Enhanced with glass railings and smooth white stucco treatment connecting garage to main house.

Private spaces

Lower Level Bedrooms: Existing bedrooms with improved circulation and connection to bridge level. Basement: Contains FAU with exposed diagonal bracing supports creating visual interest and curiosity. Multiple levels with improved continuous movement from bridge to basement and second floor without house entry requirement.

Support spaces

Garage: Split into two separate garages with ramp system and curtain wall doors, west side garage for trophy car with enhanced picture views, east side garage with direct bridge access. Staircase Systems: Multiple staircases within garage connecting to walkways and lower levels. Swimming Pool Area: New walkway access from west side garage staircase.

Outdoor spaces

Bridge: Enhanced connection between garage and main house with glass railings and contemporary design. Deck Areas: Expanded main floor deck and series of decks behind house for site enjoyment. Staircase and Ramp Systems: Articulated movement from bridge to rear decks and lower levels. Art Monument: Entry feature at garage representing water, earth, and structure elements.

Structure

Three-level hillside residence with bridge connection, modified garage structure with ramp system

Systems

Split garage with ramp system, glass curtain wall systems, exposed structural bracing, contemporary lighting systems

Sustainability

Natural light optimization through glass curtain walls, strategic placement for ocean view capture

Design challenges

Working with steep hillside location limiting garage expansion, maximizing 270-degree ocean views, improving security and circulation, integrating contemporary design with existing structure while maintaining site constraints

Services provided

• Architecture
• Planning
• Construction Document Phase

Images