A couple wanted a weekend retreat without spending a majority of their getaway in an automobile. Therefore, a lot was purchased along the Rocky River with the vision of creating a nearby escape less than five miles away from their home. This 1,300 sf 24’ x 24’ dwelling is divided into a four square quadrant with the goal to create a variety of interior and exterior experiences while maintaining a rather small footprint. Typically, when going on a weekend retreat one has the drive time to decompress. However, without this, the goal was to create a procession from the car to the house to signify such change of context. This concept was achieved through the use of a wood slatted screen wall which must be passed through. After winding around a collection of poured concrete steps and walls one comes to a wood plank bridge and crosses over a Japanese garden leaving all the stresses of the daily world behind. The house is structured around a nine column steel frame grid, which reinforces the impression one gets of the four quadrants. The two rear quadrants intentionally house enclosed program space but once passed through, the floor plan completely opens to long views down to the mouth of the river into Lake Erie. On the second floor the four square grid is stacked with one quadrant removed for the two story living area on the first floor to capture heightened views down the river. In a move to create complete separation there is a one quadrant roof top office with surrounding roof top garden space. The rooftop office is accessed through a unique approach by exiting onto a steel grated staircase which wraps up the exterior facade of the house. This experience provides an additional retreat within their weekend getaway, and serves as the apex of the house where one can completely enjoy the views of Lake Erie disappearing over the horizon. Visually the house extends into the riverside site, but the four quadrant axis also physically extends creating a series of experiences out on the property. The Northeast kitchen quadrant extends out to become an exterior kitchen & dining space. The two-story Northwest living room quadrant extends out to a series of wrap around steps and lounge seating. A fire pit sits in this quadrant as well farther out in the lawn. A fruit and vegetable garden sits out in the Southwest quadrant in near proximity to the shed, and the entry sequence is contained within the Southeast quadrant extension. Internally and externally the whole house is organized in a simple and concise way and achieves the ultimate goal of creating many different experiences within a rationally sized footprint. Photo: Sergiu Stoian

GAVIOTA, SAN CLEMENTE - UNDER CONSTRUCTION Having bought the home with the intention of making a major change, it is clear form the comparison to the new home how far the original home was from what they wanted. Located in Southern California and a walk from the beach, they bought the home for the large rear yard that is not typical in homes this close to the beach. The clients love to cook so the home is anchored around a large double island kitchen filled with color. The fun in this home is felt through the play on color and texture as you move through the home you are met with different experiences. The existing home seemed to turn its back on the rear yard, and had it as a destination place. This led to it not being used as much as it could, so through removing walls and moving the master suite to the second story the space opens up and completely lives out to the rear yard. Natural light floods the great room as the kids can be playing in the rear yard under the watchful eye of someone in the kitchen. The homes new flow allows for the family to live better together and entertain their friends in a piece of art that reflects who they are and their approach to life, fun, alive and full of color.

GAVIOTA, SAN CLEMENTE - UNDER CONSTRUCTION Having bought the home with the intention of making a major change, it is clear form the comparison to the new home how far the original home was from what they wanted. Located in Southern California and a walk from the beach, they bought the home for the large rear yard that is not typical in homes this close to the beach. The clients love to cook so the home is anchored around a large double island kitchen filled with color. The fun in this home is felt through the play on color and texture as you move through the home you are met with different experiences. The existing home seemed to turn its back on the rear yard, and had it as a destination place. This led to it not being used as much as it could, so through removing walls and moving the master suite to the second story the space opens up and completely lives out to the rear yard. Natural light floods the great room as the kids can be playing in the rear yard under the watchful eye of someone in the kitchen. The homes new flow allows for the family to live better together and entertain their friends in a piece of art that reflects who they are and their approach to life, fun, alive and full of color.

GAVIOTA, SAN CLEMENTE - UNDER CONSTRUCTION Having bought the home with the intention of making a major change, it is clear form the comparison to the new home how far the original home was from what they wanted. Located in Southern California and a walk from the beach, they bought the home for the large rear yard that is not typical in homes this close to the beach. The clients love to cook so the home is anchored around a large double island kitchen filled with color. The fun in this home is felt through the play on color and texture as you move through the home you are met with different experiences. The existing home seemed to turn its back on the rear yard, and had it as a destination place. This led to it not being used as much as it could, so through removing walls and moving the master suite to the second story the space opens up and completely lives out to the rear yard. Natural light floods the great room as the kids can be playing in the rear yard under the watchful eye of someone in the kitchen. The homes new flow allows for the family to live better together and entertain their friends in a piece of art that reflects who they are and their approach to life, fun, alive and full of color.

GAVIOTA, SAN CLEMENTE - UNDER CONSTRUCTION Having bought the home with the intention of making a major change, it is clear form the comparison to the new home how far the original home was from what they wanted. Located in Southern California and a walk from the beach, they bought the home for the large rear yard that is not typical in homes this close to the beach. The clients love to cook so the home is anchored around a large double island kitchen filled with color. The fun in this home is felt through the play on color and texture as you move through the home you are met with different experiences. The existing home seemed to turn its back on the rear yard, and had it as a destination place. This led to it not being used as much as it could, so through removing walls and moving the master suite to the second story the space opens up and completely lives out to the rear yard. Natural light floods the great room as the kids can be playing in the rear yard under the watchful eye of someone in the kitchen. The homes new flow allows for the family to live better together and entertain their friends in a piece of art that reflects who they are and their approach to life, fun, alive and full of color.

INTERIOR --- -Two-zone heating and cooling system results in higher energy efficiency and quicker warming/cooling times -Fiberglass and 3.5” spray foam insulation that exceeds industry standards -Sophisticated hardwood flooring, engineered for an elevated design aesthetic, greater sustainability, and the highest green-build rating, with a 25-year warranty -Custom cabinetry made from solid wood and plywood for sustainable, quality cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom vanities -Fisher & Paykel DCS Professional Grade home appliances offer a chef-quality cooking experience everyday -Designer's choice quartz countertops offer both a luxurious look and excellent durability -Danze plumbing fixtures throughout the home provide unparalleled quality -DXV luxury single-piece toilets with significantly higher ratings than typical builder-grade toilets -Lighting fixtures by Matteo Lighting, a premier lighting company known for its sophisticated and contemporary designs -All interior paint is designer grade by Benjamin Moore -Locally sourced and produced, custom-made interior wooden doors with glass inserts -Spa-style mater bath featuring Italian designer tile and heated flooring -Lower level flex room plumbed and wired for a secondary kitchen - au pair quarters, expanded generational family space, entertainment floor - you decide! -Electric car charging

Bob Foran
Home design - 1960s home design idea in Detroit

INTERIOR --- -Two-zone heating and cooling system results in higher energy efficiency and quicker warming/cooling times -Fiberglass and 3.5” spray foam insulation that exceeds industry standards -Sophisticated hardwood flooring, engineered for an elevated design aesthetic, greater sustainability, and the highest green-build rating, with a 25-year warranty -Custom cabinetry made from solid wood and plywood for sustainable, quality cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom vanities -Fisher & Paykel DCS Professional Grade home appliances offer a chef-quality cooking experience everyday -Designer's choice quartz countertops offer both a luxurious look and excellent durability -Danze plumbing fixtures throughout the home provide unparalleled quality -DXV luxury single-piece toilets with significantly higher ratings than typical builder-grade toilets -Lighting fixtures by Matteo Lighting, a premier lighting company known for its sophisticated and contemporary designs -All interior paint is designer grade by Benjamin Moore -Locally sourced and produced, custom-made interior wooden doors with glass inserts -Spa-style mater bath featuring Italian designer tile and heated flooring -Lower level flex room plumbed and wired for a secondary kitchen - au pair quarters, expanded generational family space, entertainment floor - you decide! -Electric car charging

Coastline natural thin stone veneer from the Quarry Mill creates a beautiful accent wall on this beach style house. Coastline is a natural New England cobblestone. The pieces of natural stone veneer come in various colors, shapes and sizes. Coastline has a weathered and naturally rough texture with mainly earth tones. This thin stone veneer is a great fit on lake houses or coastal homes. Stones of this style can also be referred to as boulders or round side out stone. Coastline is unique because it is not a quarried stone by rather a natural fieldstone. Cobblestones can be used for both interior and exterior applications and are well suited for both large and small projects. For masons who are comfortable with and have experience installing cobblestones, they typically go quickly and have a medium to low installation cost.

GAVIOTA, SAN CLEMENTE - UNDER CONSTRUCTION Having bought the home with the intention of making a major change, it is clear form the comparison to the new home how far the original home was from what they wanted. Located in Southern California and a walk from the beach, they bought the home for the large rear yard that is not typical in homes this close to the beach. The clients love to cook so the home is anchored around a large double island kitchen filled with color. The fun in this home is felt through the play on color and texture as you move through the home you are met with different experiences. The existing home seemed to turn its back on the rear yard, and had it as a destination place. This led to it not being used as much as it could, so through removing walls and moving the master suite to the second story the space opens up and completely lives out to the rear yard. Natural light floods the great room as the kids can be playing in the rear yard under the watchful eye of someone in the kitchen. The homes new flow allows for the family to live better together and entertain their friends in a piece of art that reflects who they are and their approach to life, fun, alive and full of color.

GAVIOTA, SAN CLEMENTE - UNDER CONSTRUCTION Having bought the home with the intention of making a major change, it is clear form the comparison to the new home how far the original home was from what they wanted. Located in Southern California and a walk from the beach, they bought the home for the large rear yard that is not typical in homes this close to the beach. The clients love to cook so the home is anchored around a large double island kitchen filled with color. The fun in this home is felt through the play on color and texture as you move through the home you are met with different experiences. The existing home seemed to turn its back on the rear yard, and had it as a destination place. This led to it not being used as much as it could, so through removing walls and moving the master suite to the second story the space opens up and completely lives out to the rear yard. Natural light floods the great room as the kids can be playing in the rear yard under the watchful eye of someone in the kitchen. The homes new flow allows for the family to live better together and entertain their friends in a piece of art that reflects who they are and their approach to life, fun, alive and full of color.

GAVIOTA, SAN CLEMENTE - UNDER CONSTRUCTION Having bought the home with the intention of making a major change, it is clear form the comparison to the new home how far the original home was from what they wanted. Located in Southern California and a walk from the beach, they bought the home for the large rear yard that is not typical in homes this close to the beach. The clients love to cook so the home is anchored around a large double island kitchen filled with color. The fun in this home is felt through the play on color and texture as you move through the home you are met with different experiences. The existing home seemed to turn its back on the rear yard, and had it as a destination place. This led to it not being used as much as it could, so through removing walls and moving the master suite to the second story the space opens up and completely lives out to the rear yard. Natural light floods the great room as the kids can be playing in the rear yard under the watchful eye of someone in the kitchen. The homes new flow allows for the family to live better together and entertain their friends in a piece of art that reflects who they are and their approach to life, fun, alive and full of color.

GAVIOTA, SAN CLEMENTE - UNDER CONSTRUCTION Having bought the home with the intention of making a major change, it is clear form the comparison to the new home how far the original home was from what they wanted. Located in Southern California and a walk from the beach, they bought the home for the large rear yard that is not typical in homes this close to the beach. The clients love to cook so the home is anchored around a large double island kitchen filled with color. The fun in this home is felt through the play on color and texture as you move through the home you are met with different experiences. The existing home seemed to turn its back on the rear yard, and had it as a destination place. This led to it not being used as much as it could, so through removing walls and moving the master suite to the second story the space opens up and completely lives out to the rear yard. Natural light floods the great room as the kids can be playing in the rear yard under the watchful eye of someone in the kitchen. The homes new flow allows for the family to live better together and entertain their friends in a piece of art that reflects who they are and their approach to life, fun, alive and full of color.

GAVIOTA, SAN CLEMENTE - UNDER CONSTRUCTION Having bought the home with the intention of making a major change, it is clear form the comparison to the new home how far the original home was from what they wanted. Located in Southern California and a walk from the beach, they bought the home for the large rear yard that is not typical in homes this close to the beach. The clients love to cook so the home is anchored around a large double island kitchen filled with color. The fun in this home is felt through the play on color and texture as you move through the home you are met with different experiences. The existing home seemed to turn its back on the rear yard, and had it as a destination place. This led to it not being used as much as it could, so through removing walls and moving the master suite to the second story the space opens up and completely lives out to the rear yard. Natural light floods the great room as the kids can be playing in the rear yard under the watchful eye of someone in the kitchen. The homes new flow allows for the family to live better together and entertain their friends in a piece of art that reflects who they are and their approach to life, fun, alive and full of color.

GAVIOTA, SAN CLEMENTE - UNDER CONSTRUCTION Having bought the home with the intention of making a major change, it is clear form the comparison to the new home how far the original home was from what they wanted. Located in Southern California and a walk from the beach, they bought the home for the large rear yard that is not typical in homes this close to the beach. The clients love to cook so the home is anchored around a large double island kitchen filled with color. The fun in this home is felt through the play on color and texture as you move through the home you are met with different experiences. The existing home seemed to turn its back on the rear yard, and had it as a destination place. This led to it not being used as much as it could, so through removing walls and moving the master suite to the second story the space opens up and completely lives out to the rear yard. Natural light floods the great room as the kids can be playing in the rear yard under the watchful eye of someone in the kitchen. The homes new flow allows for the family to live better together and entertain their friends in a piece of art that reflects who they are and their approach to life, fun, alive and full of color.

GAVIOTA, SAN CLEMENTE - UNDER CONSTRUCTION Having bought the home with the intention of making a major change, it is clear form the comparison to the new home how far the original home was from what they wanted. Located in Southern California and a walk from the beach, they bought the home for the large rear yard that is not typical in homes this close to the beach. The clients love to cook so the home is anchored around a large double island kitchen filled with color. The fun in this home is felt through the play on color and texture as you move through the home you are met with different experiences. The existing home seemed to turn its back on the rear yard, and had it as a destination place. This led to it not being used as much as it could, so through removing walls and moving the master suite to the second story the space opens up and completely lives out to the rear yard. Natural light floods the great room as the kids can be playing in the rear yard under the watchful eye of someone in the kitchen. The homes new flow allows for the family to live better together and entertain their friends in a piece of art that reflects who they are and their approach to life, fun, alive and full of color.

GAVIOTA, SAN CLEMENTE - UNDER CONSTRUCTION Having bought the home with the intention of making a major change, it is clear form the comparison to the new home how far the original home was from what they wanted. Located in Southern California and a walk from the beach, they bought the home for the large rear yard that is not typical in homes this close to the beach. The clients love to cook so the home is anchored around a large double island kitchen filled with color. The fun in this home is felt through the play on color and texture as you move through the home you are met with different experiences. The existing home seemed to turn its back on the rear yard, and had it as a destination place. This led to it not being used as much as it could, so through removing walls and moving the master suite to the second story the space opens up and completely lives out to the rear yard. Natural light floods the great room as the kids can be playing in the rear yard under the watchful eye of someone in the kitchen. The homes new flow allows for the family to live better together and entertain their friends in a piece of art that reflects who they are and their approach to life, fun, alive and full of color.

GAVIOTA, SAN CLEMENTE - UNDER CONSTRUCTION Having bought the home with the intention of making a major change, it is clear form the comparison to the new home how far the original home was from what they wanted. Located in Southern California and a walk from the beach, they bought the home for the large rear yard that is not typical in homes this close to the beach. The clients love to cook so the home is anchored around a large double island kitchen filled with color. The fun in this home is felt through the play on color and texture as you move through the home you are met with different experiences. The existing home seemed to turn its back on the rear yard, and had it as a destination place. This led to it not being used as much as it could, so through removing walls and moving the master suite to the second story the space opens up and completely lives out to the rear yard. Natural light floods the great room as the kids can be playing in the rear yard under the watchful eye of someone in the kitchen. The homes new flow allows for the family to live better together and entertain their friends in a piece of art that reflects who they are and their approach to life, fun, alive and full of color.

GAVIOTA, SAN CLEMENTE - UNDER CONSTRUCTION Having bought the home with the intention of making a major change, it is clear form the comparison to the new home how far the original home was from what they wanted. Located in Southern California and a walk from the beach, they bought the home for the large rear yard that is not typical in homes this close to the beach. The clients love to cook so the home is anchored around a large double island kitchen filled with color. The fun in this home is felt through the play on color and texture as you move through the home you are met with different experiences. The existing home seemed to turn its back on the rear yard, and had it as a destination place. This led to it not being used as much as it could, so through removing walls and moving the master suite to the second story the space opens up and completely lives out to the rear yard. Natural light floods the great room as the kids can be playing in the rear yard under the watchful eye of someone in the kitchen. The homes new flow allows for the family to live better together and entertain their friends in a piece of art that reflects who they are and their approach to life, fun, alive and full of color.