Windansea Beach Homes

The eight infill town homes totaling almost 5,000 square feet each sit between two narrow, winding one way streets on a 23,000 square foot lot just feet from Windansea Beach in La Jolla. There is surprising light and privacy despite the high density. Three levels give wonderful openness and volume inside.

This irregular and curving lot was previously occupied by the typical ‘50’s two-story box-shaped apartment complex with exterior balcony circulation. The property sits between two narrow, winding one way streets on a 23,000 square foot lot just feet from famous Windansea Beach in La Jolla.

The old building was a neighborhood eyesore and very run down. The new detached town homes, totaling almost 5,000 square feet each, completely changed this neighborhood upon their completion. They are sited to give each of them a glimpse of the ocean at the West (narrow) end of the site. Each home has three levels of living space, and varied volumes and ceiling heights. Careful individual window placement also affords privacy, while accommodating light and air and breezes. Floor to ceiling glass occurs throughout. Burnished Masonry walls, zinc coated roofs, nautical stainless handrails, and Kynar finish windows anticipate the harsh ocean environment. Color is used to add to the individuality of each home, all of which also have variations on their individual floor plans. The masonry walls have a burnished finish inside which is expressed throughout. Light enters the lower story through large light wells—some of sufficient size for patios.

Traversing the homes, one would never believe that 40,000 square feet of buildings occupy this 23,000 square foot lot, and a Floor Area Ratio of almost 2, but still with light, air, openness, landscaping and privacy.