Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Wave-Shaped Residence Enhanced by Weathered Redwood and Expansive Glass Elements in Coastal Malibu

Authors:
Seunghyeon Lee, Tan Wang
Wave-Shaped Residence Enhanced by Weathered Redwood and Expansive Glass Elements in Coastal Malibu

Project in-detail

With its wave-shaped roof and extensive use of weathered redwood and glass, this coastal residence not only merges seamlessly with the Malibu landscape but also provides a serene sanctuary designed for modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The wave-shaped roof design channels rainwater effectively while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
02
Extensive glass panels are strategically placed to optimize ocean views and natural light throughout the home.
03
Weathered redwood cladding provides a sustainable, low-maintenance exterior that complements the coastal environment.
04
Flexible interior spaces feature movable partitions, allowing for adaptable living configurations based on seasonal needs.
05
Native landscaping integrates seamlessly with the architecture, promoting biodiversity and reducing water usage.
The Coastal Harmony Residence is a modern architectural project located along the iconic shoreline of Malibu, California. This residence is designed to embody the harmony between the built environment and the natural landscape, emphasizing the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The project serves as a private dwelling, providing both comfort and functionality while allowing its inhabitants to fully engage with the stunning coastal vistas and the tranquil ambiance of the surrounding nature.

At its core, the Coastal Harmony Residence represents a thoughtful approach to residential architecture that prioritizes sustainability and a strong connection to the environment. The design reflects a deliberate effort to create a space that not only meets the needs of its residents but also respects and enhances its beautiful coastal setting. The architects sought to create an inviting home that resonates with the soothing qualities of its surroundings, fostering a deep sense of peace and well-being among its occupants.

The design employs an open-plan layout that promotes a fluid flow between various living spaces. This configuration facilitates easy movement and encourages interaction, making it ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Large floor-to-ceiling glass panels are a hallmark of the project, allowing natural light to illuminate the interior while framing breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. This extensive use of glass not only invites the outside in but also helps to blur the lines between the interior spaces and the magnificent landscape that envelops the residence.

Key elements of the Coastal Harmony Residence include its emphasis on natural materials and innovative sustainability features. Weathered redwood serves as the primary cladding and structural material, providing a warm and organic aesthetic that resonates with the coastal environment. This choice reflects a commitment to using materials that age gracefully while enhancing the residence's connection to the surrounding nature. Local sandstone has been incorporated into feature walls, creating a tactile contrast that grounds the structure within its site by echoing the geological formations found along the coastline.

A unique aspect of the design is the incorporation of passive solar strategies. The architects have integrated large overhangs that provide shading in warmer months, allowing for passive cooling while maximizing the intake of natural light during winter. This thoughtful approach to energy efficiency reduces reliance on mechanical cooling and heating systems, reinforcing the residence's sustainable credentials.

Another notable feature is the flexible use of space within the home. By incorporating movable partitions, the design accommodates varying needs, allowing rooms to transform based on the season or occasion. This adaptability is particularly crucial in a coastal environment, where families often have different usage patterns throughout the year.

Additionally, the outdoor spaces are meticulously designed to complement the indoor environment. Expansive terraces equipped with outdoor kitchens and cozy fire pits create inviting areas for relaxation and social gatherings. The landscaping features native plants that require minimal irrigation, further enhancing the ecological sensitivity of the project while promoting biodiversity.

The unique roof design of the Coastal Harmony Residence, which mimics the shape of ocean waves, adds an iconic element to the structure, reinforcing its connection to the coastal landscape. This architectural detail not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also functions to channel rainwater effectively, employing a more sustainable approach to water management.

The Coastal Harmony Residence stands as a testament to thoughtful, modern residential architecture that values ecological principles while offering a refined living experience. Its design reflects an understanding of the local context and the natural environment, showcasing the potential for architecture to foster connections between people and place. For those interested in the thoughtful design behind this project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and ideas will provide a deeper understanding of its innovative approaches and the intricacies of its layout. Engaging with the details of the architectural design offers valuable insights into the collaborative nature of creating a residence that not only serves its inhabitants but also respects and celebrates its extraordinary coastal setting.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy