Modern Oceanfront Perch

Perched on the edge of La Jolla Bay and the Pacific Ocean, this apartment feels like it just might be the last building on the edge of the world. Divided by a maze of walls, the original configuration of the apartment did not take advantage of its extraordinary location—a peculiarity Wadia Associates sought to remedy in its renovation.

Location

La Jolla, CA

A prayer niche is hidden behind doors laser cut with an Islamic geometric pattern.

Movement through the apartment was choreographed to focus on specific views of the owners’ Asian art collection. Gold fabric imbedded in glass serves as a backdrop to the archaic torso while letting light into the office-guest room beyond.

For a worldly couple with an important Asian art collection, Wadia opened up the space to enhance the flow from the entry foyer through the 270-degree floor-to-ceiling views in the living room. The glass walls, which needed replacement, dictated the modern style of the design. To create a sense of homeyness—despite the expanse of glass—Wadia delineated specific areas of the apartment—dining, living, eating, and sleeping—with shallow beams and columns at the corners to anchor each section without obstructing the view.

Meanwhile, Wadia used the few solid walls to feature major pieces of art, deliberately sequencing them to unfold toward the approaching view. This tactic was also utilized by the renowned English architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, a genius at arranging his houses as a string of carefully orchestrated surprises. Framed by gently arched soffits, the entry vestibule was designed to feel intimate and contained, setting up a contrast to the sudden openness of the dining area. The colors and furnishings in the apartment, decorated by Wadia, were chosen to both contrast and intensify the power of the views. The design culminates in the living room, which stretches out to the blue horizon.

The apartment, which has 270-degree floor-to-ceiling views of the La Jolla Bay and the Pacific Ocean, floats above the town below.

In the dining area, a display niche containing a statue of the Buddha has a frosted glass panel that goes clear at the touch of a switch, allowing a view toward the water from the office-guest room behind it.

The furnishings were selected to harmonize and contrast with the blue of the ocean. Above a simple fireplace mantel, a pair of paintings slide open to reveal the television.

A mirrored wardrobe and floating cove-lit soffit gives this intimate bedroom the feeling that it is suspended in a much larger space.

Shallow beams divide the open space into several distinct areas, each focused on a different activity—dining, sitting in conversation, or looking out at the view.

Gently arched soffits framing the entry vestibule enhance its sense of containment, setting up a contrast with the sudden openness experienced as one steps into the dining area.