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Offering spectacular Bay Bridge views, this two-level loft was an uninspired white box chopped up into many small rooms. Having worked with the owners on another home in the Carmel Valley, the designers wanted to bring a similar warm, modern and spacious character to this loft that celebrates the view while offering two-bedroom suites for overnight guests.

To accomplish these goals, walls & soffits were first removed to expose concrete. Now pared down to the essentials, the space was reimagined as a composition of planes and volumes in warm materials: concrete, wire-brushed and waxed European white oak, gunmetal gray panels & gallery white walls.

The kitchen, a compact composition of white lacquer casework opens to harbor views over an oversized island. A slender blackened steel stair of white oak treads and a frameless glass guardrail replaces the heavy original, and serves as a focal point for the room. The adjacent guest bedroom features a moveable wall of hanging panels that can be hidden away, allowing the living room to seamlessly double in size.

The primary bathroom features backlit steel mirrors, travertine slab floors & shower walls and vanities made from wire-brushed, waxed oak. Overlooking the living room, a loft features casework that separates a large dressing area from the media room.

Using a vibrant Stark carpet purchased by the owners before construction started, furniture and art were selected to complement the natural material palette. Unique pieces include a custom steel and oak dining table and an upholstered bench.

Photo credit: Bruce Damonte

Another look of the living space showing a way to another living room. Photo credit: Bruce Damonte

Closer look of the home's modern architecture taken from the living room. Photo credit: Bruce Damonte

Another look of the home's living room when the sliding door is unclosed. Photo credit: Bruce Damonte

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Look of the living space from the kitchen showcasing the modern spacing of the home. Photo credit: Bruce Damonte

The home has a stylish staircase and glass windows. Photo credit: Bruce Damonte — Studio VARA

The kitchen boasts stylish island with a space for a breakfast bar. Photo credit: Bruce Damonte

The kitchen boasts stylish countertops and lighting along with the appliances. Photo credit: Bruce Damonte

Another look of the kitchen area showing the breakfast bar, dining area and living space. Photo credit: Bruce Damonte

A look of the house's hallway from the second floor showcasing the beautiful wall design and flooring. Photo credit: Bruce Damonte

The hallway leads to the bedroom and features carpet flooring. Photo credit: Bruce Damonte

The bathroom features double sink and elegant lighting. Photo credit: Bruce Damonte — Studio VARA

Technical Info

Architect: Studio VARA
Interiors: Tony Ambus, Design Details
Structural Engineer: Strandberg Engineering
General Contractor: Upscale Construction
Photography: Bruce Damonte
Press distribution: v2com

About Studio VARA

Studio VARA is a San Francisco-based design practice driven by a deep commitment to architecture as a material craft and a discipline grounded in ideas. With the city as reference point and inspiration, they create holistic, well-considered design solutions and human-centered experiences at many scales.

They have developed a process-oriented approach that allows design solutions to arise organically from the unique ecology of each project. Clients are engaged throughout the design and construction process in a working environment attuned to their aspirations and infused with ease and clarity. Together, they work side-by-side with contractors and consultants to foster a truly team-oriented process. From the exterior form to the interior furnishings, this flexible, collaborative design approach builds trust and yields spaces that profoundly shape clients’ lives.