Carmel Beach House

The Carmel Beach House maximizes the coastal site’s potential, elegantly provides both calm privacy and open social space, and consciously reduces energy use and ecological impact.

Perched above the Carmel River as it meets the sea, the home’s floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and large windows embrace the fantastic ocean and valley views as the infinity pool and cascading series of outdoor decks lead towards the beach below. A tactile wall clad in warm sandstone not only supports the floating roof above but also divides the home in two, delineating between the spacious, boundary-free living area and cozy, private bedrooms. As an extensive remodel that reused the existing foundation and stayed withing the previous building footprint, the project reduced the impact of construction on the fragile river at the base of the site. Expansive openings allow for natural light and ventilation, while deep overhangs shield from solar heat gain. Hydronic in-floor radiant heating warms the home efficiently, while the pool is heated exclusively by solar hot water heaters on the roof. A solar array meets much of the home's energy demand and any excess solar energy is stored on site in the battery backup system.

The home’s design truly celebrates all the site has to offer and provides a refuge for sustainable enjoyment of this uniquely beautiful yet fragile place. Completed as part of EYRC Architects, this remodel was the 2023 AIA CA Residential Design Honor Award winner.

"Refinement! This project is strong, very assured, and utilizes great materials, it has almost a Mies-ian quality. This project has a beautiful connection to outdoor spaces." - Jury Comments, 2023 AIA California Residential Architecture Awards.