NORTH OCEAN RESIDENCE

DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA

completed: June 2023

Photography: Jeanne Canto

When tasked with designing a home on this stunning oceanfront site, it was evident that views, light, and the beachfront context would be the driving force. We took inspiration from the numerous catamarans that line the sand beyond and explored how the geometry of their components could be expressed through architecture.

In our design, the sail became a ribbon that wraps around the building and envelopes the third floor. Alternating projections orient the east façade with the shoreline and also thrust occupants of the primary suite into the view. These sculptural planes also serve a functional role of providing shade for the pool terrace below. Continuing the motif of a vessel, wing walls along the north and south flank the terrace, framing the primary view. When viewed from the main living spaces, the infinity edge pool blends seamlessly with the Atlantic Ocean beyond. The home’s key view was further celebrated through the dematerialization of the north and south facades into wood-clad “fins”. These fins provide privacy and protection from the sun while allowing uninterrupted views of the coast.

Sun, sand, and sky served as the basis for the home’s interiors. The first floor is grounded by darker tones and earthier materials such as Florida Keystone and dark textured stucco that embody shadow and dune. This ground level is best understood as the understory of the beached vessel above. As one ascends the home’s floating steps, the material palette lightens in relation to views of the sea and sky. The home’s rounded elevator core, clad in ribbed light oak paneling unifies all three levels. On the third floor, this volume serves as the perfect backdrop to the homeowner’s robust art collection. The building’s site design acts as an extension of the beach and dune directly across the street. The winding pedestrian entry path is a direct continuation of the public dune path. Oolitic stone planters, rock salt finish concrete hardscape, and native Florida planting further cement the home’s connection to its context. With this home design, our primary objective was to create a beautiful and functional design rooted in Delray Beach’s natural environment.