Cliff House, by Graham Architecture, commands a rare blufftop in North Laguna Beach, where coastal exposure and architectural clarity converge. Defined by its floating glass planes, monolithic concrete forms, and pared-back materiality, the residence embraces its environment through precision and restraint. The design establishes a visual and spatial rhythm that mirrors the movement of the ocean, offering a living experience deeply attuned to light, space, and setting. This is where architecture becomes a lens for the landscape. Floor-to-ceiling glass dissolves boundaries between interior and exterior, while cantilevered volumes extend the living experience outward toward the horizon. The design language is purposefully understated allowing the interplay of light, water, and sky to define the spatial experience. Every detail, from material selection to sightline orientation, reflects a commitment to contextual clarity.
- Name: Cliff House
- Bedrooms: 4+
- Bathrooms: 5+
- Size: 6,000+ sq. ft.
- Built: 2017
Cliff House is a modern coastal masterpiece that commands a rare oceanfront blufftop in North Laguna Beach, California. Designed by Graham Architecture and built by Gallo Builders, this landmark residence exemplifies contemporary West Coast architecture at its highest level. Positioned on one of Southern California’s most coveted sites, the home offers uninterrupted views of the Pacific, exceptional privacy, and a seamless connection to the surrounding natural landscape. A pivoting gate and 10-foot-tall front door introduce a minimalist design language defined by floating glass walls, sculptural concrete forms, and expansive sightlines that draw the ocean directly into the core of the home.
Inside, Cliff House reveals a refined interplay of architecture, art, and atmosphere. Full-height windows erase the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light to shape the interiors throughout the day. Thoughtfully curated furnishings, from Holly Hunt and Rose Tarlow to bespoke elements, create a warm, tactile palette that complements the home’s clean lines. At the entry, a bold yellow-and-black painting by Scot Heywood makes a vivid impression, while works by Ruth Pastine and Helen Pashgian enrich more intimate corners, including a luminous alcove just off the foyer. In the master suite, a mid-century daybed by André Cordemeyer in teak, leather, and steel anchors a serene space with sweeping coastal views.
Cliff House is not simply adjacent to the ocean – it is defined by it. The home was designed to follow the arc of the sun, with interior spaces animated by shifting light and shadow. Terraced outdoor living areas provide zones for relaxation, dining, and quiet contemplation, while an infinity-edge spa seems to dissolve into the sea. With its synthesis of form, light, and setting, Cliff House represents one of Laguna Beach’s most architecturally significant oceanfront estates, crafted for those who value contemporary design, fine art, and the immersive experience of living at the edge of the Pacific.
- Architect: Graham Architecture
- Builder: Gallo Builders
- Photography: Aaron Leitz
- Location: 106 McKnight Dr, Laguna Beach, CA, USA
