Skip to Content

Wave House by Safdie Rabines Architects

Wave House by Safdie Rabines Architects

Architect: Safdie Rabines Architects
Project Name: Wave House
Completion: 2013
Size: 5,700 SF
Photographer: Undine Prohl

Contrasting white, black, and beige along with wood accents bring a striking character to the Wave House.

Contrasting white, black, and beige along with wood accents bring a striking character to the Wave House.

Floor-to-ceiling windows against the staircase bring in an abundant amount of natural light.

Floor-to-ceiling windows against the staircase bring in an abundant amount of natural light.

The single-stringer staircase enhances the modern appeal inside.

The single-stringer staircase enhances the modern appeal inside.

The soaring family room features an electric fireplace and a striped sofa sitting on the large area rug.

The soaring family room features an electric fireplace and a striped sofa sitting on the large area rug.

A stone accent wall sets a nice focal point in the living space as it conceals the staircase.

A stone accent wall sets a nice focal point in the living space as it conceals the staircase.

Surrounding windows and clerestories flood the open living space with ample natural light.

Surrounding windows and clerestories flood the open living space with ample natural light.

The bedroom is located on the top level. It is encased in glazed walls and slatted glass windows.

The bedroom is located on the top level. It is encased in glazed walls and slatted glass windows.

A bespoke headboard doubles as a divider between the bedroom and its ensuite.

A bespoke headboard doubles as a divider between the bedroom and its ensuite.

The bedroom includes a nice sitting space complete with a fireplace and a unique lounger.

The bedroom includes a nice sitting space complete with a fireplace and a unique lounger.

The bathroom offers a walk-in shower and a deep soaking tub set against the windows.

The bathroom offers a walk-in shower and a deep soaking tub set against the windows.

Terrace with colorful wicker seats and a fire pit perfect for entertaining.

Terrace with colorful wicker seats and a fire pit perfect for entertaining.

The terrace includes unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.

The terrace includes unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.

The Wave House is nestled among the steep canyon. Its beautiful curves complement well with the lush surrounding.

The Wave House is nestled among the steep canyon. Its beautiful curves complement well with the lush surrounding.

This custom house is designed to maximize the views of the San Diego Bay while responding to the steep canyon on which it is located. This goal was accomplished through the incorporation of a 35’ long light-filled atrium that acts as both a horizontal and vertical axis that connects all three levels of the house and engages the entry with the gardens below.

A two-story family room nestled into the hillside opens out to terraced gardens while the living room, dining, and kitchen are situated above for maximum views.