Partially carved into a Malibu hillside overlooking Point Dume, along the sloping banks of a meandering creek, sits a sleek and airy design lover’s oasis.
Described as “organic modern” by its architects, Silvia Kuhle and Jeffrey Allsbrook of Los Angeles–based Standard Architecture, the 6,500-square-foot home is a striking confluence of concrete, troweled stucco, oak, and afromosia—an exotic alternative to teak. “The homeowners were very interested in making sure the materials came together in a nice way,” says Allsbrook. “You can see how each element has its own integrity, whether it’s a concrete wall, the oak ceiling, or black-painted plaster fireplace—they’re all distinct.”
Designed for a young couple with an eye toward building a family, the ground-up project took just over six years to complete—owed primarily to the strict building restrictions of the California coastal region. “We met them around the holidays in 2014, and they were always really clear about their goals,” adds Kuhle. “It was funny to work with them for several years because, though there were always three kids’ bedrooms built into the project, there were never any kids around!”
With the project nearly complete, and their three young children finally in the picture, the couple turned to interior designer Martha Mulholland to warm up the cool modern structure with furnishings that reflected the family’s aesthetics and needs. “They wanted to bring some warmth to the interior and soften the edges but keep it chic,” explains Mulholland. “It was kind of at odds with the house architecturally, but I thought it was an incredibly interesting challenge to work the two styles together.”
Bright and expansive—with its series of private courtyards, light wells, 12- and 14-foot-tall living spaces, and whole walls of disappearing floor-to-ceiling sliding pocket doors—the home is now properly outfitted to make the most of its idyllic surroundings. See for yourself, below.
See Inside This Soothing Malibu Home
