Architectural Projects in Santa Monica, CA and Beyond
Marine Street House
Situated on a corner lot in the vibrant Ocean Park section of Santa Monica, is the first major west coast project designed by Gregory H Ginter Architect. The request was for a family friendly residence with living spaces that could easily transform into guest bedrooms and separate, home offices. Some competing elements of the program included: Maximizing space on a small coastal lot, maintaining privacy while remaining open to the neighborhood community, designing an environmentally friendly building without sacrificing style, tailoring the design to the clients’ personal desires while allowing for an eventual option of resale, creating an environment complimentary to family living without compromising the modern aesthetic and building economically while integrating innovation and quality.
The entire house is unique in its ability to meet its many spatial and functional needs, while maintaining a harmonious flow. Though the entire structure of the house is made from wood, it features open, expansive spaces and a disappearing 20ft wide floor to ceiling glass wall that leads to a covered outdoor living space. The plan of the house is thoughtfully laid out across the long narrow lot, which results in multiple, usable outdoor spaces. These include a grassed children’s play area, a saltwater lap pool and a private outdoor waiting area for the home offices. The house also incorporates many green elements, such as stained concrete siding, salvaged wood and furniture along with a staircase made from glue laminated wood beams. The house makes full use of the Southern California sun, which provides close to 75% of the home’s electricity, domestic hot water and pool heating. The open grass area covers a retention pit that retains 100% of the storm water on site. By integrating stock systems with custom materials, the architect was able to incorporate unique, yet affordable features, including the sleek perimeter fence and custom wine rack.
