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(Relatively) Small is Beautiful

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Here’s a 30 X 60 foot house from Rockefeller Partners that makes good use of California’s gorgeous sea views and even manages to squeeze a garden into a typical tight lot size. Small houses are more sustainable, as they typically take less energy to heat and cool.

The entire front is open to the sea. Sea breezes forming cross breezes throughout the design mean the need for air conditioning is reduced. The use of wood throughout is more sustainable than carpet.

There is a tiny central Zen garden featuring grasses that soften the harsh lines of the courtyard, elegantly, with understated simplicity.

Huge timbers form stair treads inside. Generous chunks of natural materials give a sense of lavishness, which ensures that the tiny footprint doesn’t feel cramped.

The small deck is designed to maximize the sea breezes.

A very unique “stone” floor reminds us that stone is – just that: stones. Chopped-up rocks. More energy efficient than chopping up rocks to make a stone floor, so why not just use stones? It must feel good to walk on these gently rounded stones in bare feet, making that connection to the beach outside.

Only a small, simple house is needed to indulge in the simple pleasure of the huge and infinite-seeming sea.