La Jolla, CA

Located close to the beach and shops of La Jolla Shores, Sunset House transforms an existing nondescript home with a two-story contemporary addition.

The existing garage and front wall remain to provide privacy and separation from the busy street, while much of the original home was reworked. An old sunroom addition at the back of the house was removed to increase private yard space and create room for a small pool and spa.

Oversized west-facing doors open toward the outdoor living area and are shaded by a roof over the new deck. A roof deck provides ocean views, while simple stucco volumes draw inspiration from Greek hillside homes. Wood accents mark the interior stair, adding warmth to the clean contemporary design.

By preserving a portion of the existing home instead of starting from scratch, the project helped maintain the owners’ budget and retain existing non-conforming walls. The second floor steps back from the first floor to provide separation and privacy from neighbors and the public street.