Historic Griffith Residence

‘The Lighthouse’, as it is known in the Laguna Beach community, is nestled above the Pacific on a nearly one-acre site and is the architectural and historical focus of the neighborhood. Maintaining the character-defining features of this National Historic Register property while creating new living spaces were the primary goals of this project. Stone and brick retaining walls terracing the slopes are among the most distinctive and enduring features of the site. All existing masonry walls were kept in place and repaired as needed, while new stone walls were integrated with the original walls to provide entertaining spaces, a pool and spa, connecting pathways down and across the site, and new access points to all six decentralized buildings. The project implementation tested all those involved due to the steep topography, limited access, and concurrent architectural and landscape construction. The new insertions into the site blend seamlessly with the historic hardscape and structures and have been executed with a sensitivity to the original fabric rarely seen in a residential property.