The Standing Wave: A Sensory Masterpiece on the Sea Ranch Cliffs
Perched dramatically closer to the rugged California coastline than most, the Standing Wave house at Sea Ranch transcends mere architecture. It is a profound dialogue with the Pacific Ocean, an immersive experience where the daily ballet of water, light, and sound becomes an intrinsic part of home life. This isn’t just a residence; it’s a living laboratory, meticulously crafted to explore how our environments profoundly shape our emotional and physical well-being.
Neuroaesthetics in Action: A Decade-Long Vision
At the heart of this extraordinary project lies a decade-long creative partnership between Ivy Ross, Google’s Chief Design Officer for Consumer Devices, and acclaimed architect and designer Suchi Reddy. Their shared fascination with neuroaesthetics – the scientific study of how surroundings impact human experience – finds its ultimate expression within these walls. The Standing Wave house is a testament to their belief that design can, and should, elevate the human spirit.
An Inward Transformation: Recalibrating Space
Rather than imposing grand architectural gestures, the transformation of Standing Wave was a thoughtful, inward-focused recalibration. The original floors and ceilings were respectfully preserved, while walls were strategically repositioned, rooms resized, and sightlines meticulously adjusted. The goal? To amplify the breathtaking vistas of the ocean, the ancient rocks, and the expansive sky, ensuring that nature’s grandeur is always within view.
A Harmonious Balance of Retreat and Connection
The reimagined layout masterfully balances the need for private sanctuary with spaces designed for communal joy. The primary bedroom and a dedicated study now occupy opposing ends of the house, offering serene havens for reflection and work. The kitchen, outfitted with exquisite Henrybuilt cabinetry, has been thoughtfully repositioned. It serves as a grounding anchor for gatherings, yet never dominates the open flow, allowing attention to naturally drift towards a custom crystal display – a radiant reflection of Ross’s enduring fascination with natural forms and energy.
Crystals, Light, and Sound: A Multisensory Tapestry
Ross’s passion for natural energy is further illuminated in the study, where a curated collection of crystals, gathered from years of global travel, bathes in the abundant light. Their intricate geometries echo the very rhythms of the coastline just beyond the windows. Throughout the home, sensory experience is elevated to a primary design material. Light is not merely present; it is shaped, softened, and diffused. Sound is not just heard; it is invited to resonate, notably through a unique sound tube instrument by Wolfgang Deinart in the study, which encourages a deeper, vibrational form of listening. Artworks, personally selected by Ross, including pieces from Eileen Fisher’s Waste No More project, introduce rich textures, compelling histories, and profound intention into every living space.
Daily Rituals Transformed into Acts of Restoration
The journey through the home begins with an immediate, framed glimpse of the ocean upon entry. The fireplace, now seamlessly integrated into the wall, provides a sculptural focal point rather than visual distraction. In the primary bathroom, a Japanese soaking tub and sauna are strategically oriented towards the water, transforming routine daily rituals into profound acts of restoration and communion with nature. The guest bathroom, with its soaring ceiling, features a custom light fixture by Reddy, whose colored plexiglass insert casts a subtle, shifting glow, gently re-scaling the room and adding an unexpected layer of artistry. Even the guesthouse has been updated with a new kitchen and bath, ensuring that every visitor experiences the same meticulous care and deep connection to the environment.
Honoring the Legacy of Sea Ranch
Subtle yet significant nods to the site’s origins are woven throughout, including drawings by Lawrence Halprin, Sea Ranch’s visionary founding landscape architect. These elements quietly reinforce the community’s enduring ethos of living in harmony with nature. The Standing Wave house is more than a home; it is a profound statement on intentional living, a testament to the power of design to enrich our lives by tuning us to the subtle, yet powerful, symphony of our surroundings.
To delve deeper into the Standing Wave home, a collaboration between Ivy Ross and Suchi Reddy, visit reddymade.design. Photography by Adam Potts.
For more details, visit our website.
Source: Link
