AIASMC Moss Beach House Tour

This house’s story begins with its unique site and the dedicated owners who found it after years of searching. The lot was a tight and awkward pie-shaped one with an aging cabin that apparently seemed undevelopable. However, the owners and architect saw the potential in its prime location, mature growth, stunning views, and the possibilities of artfully shielding from the adjacent highway.

The 1,600-square-foot house fits its challenging lot through thoughtful design and nuanced code interpretations. The architecture cleverly manages the acute “flat iron” shape by incorporating smaller, functional spaces to fill awkward areas without relying on intrusive angles.

It features strategic massing decisions to gain three stories, with large windows maximizing ocean views, sun-protected terraces, and side decks. Providing some separation from an immediately neighboring house was also critical.

The street-facing entry facade is composed of a series of layered planes and walls for a more protective, closed feel.

Presenter: Stephen Atkinson

Atkinson Architecture is a small, high-profile, architecture practice located in downtown Palo Alto, California. Stephen Atkinson, principal, handles all aspects of project design and client interaction.

Atkinson Architecture is committed to producing beautiful and meaningful contemporary architecture, composed of very few parts, which add up to a greater whole. These designs may be reflections on a geographic area, a prevailing building type, or simply an object’s use. Invariably they should be simple and restrained, conveying a dignity and sense of history without affectation or self-conciousness.

Stephen Atkinson is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He studied architectue at Texas A&M and Harvard Universities, and apprenticed with the Boston architecture firm, Machado and Silvetti, Associates.

In 2000, he founded his private architecture practice, relocating to Palo Alto, California, where he lives with his wife, a professor in Art History at Stanford University, and their daughter.

Stephen occasionally teaches courses on architecture with the Stanford Continuing Studies Department.

August 24, 2024    10:00 – 11:30 AM
Members:           $15
Non-members: $20

Directions of the Home Tour’s location will be sent to registered guests.

Image Credit: Stephen Atkinson