Zen House

Award-winning Santa Monica-based practice Minarc undertook the architectural design and planning for the “Zen House” project, located in the heart of the vibrant coastal community of Manhattan Beach, CA.

Envisioned to accommodate a pair of software developers, their two children, and visiting extended family members, the team implemented a sleek, minimalist aesthetic for the two-story home and accompanying Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) guest suite.

The home's modern design is characterized by its functionality and warmth. To address challenges posed by the property’s busy, main street location, the team designed a substantial front wall for enhanced privacy. Drawing inspiration from nature and the homeowners’ frequent trips to Bali, Indonesia, guests are immediately greeted by an outdoor courtyard, complete with a koi fish pond and tranquil water feature. Water circulating through the pond not only creates a serene, zen-like atmosphere, but also produces a sound barrier to further reduce street noise. Peripheral olive trees provide another nod to the family’s travels, recalling treasured memories made on trips to Greece and Italy.

The courtyard’s open design serves to maximize natural light throughout the home, with sliding doors implemented wherever possible to facilitate cross-ventilation and fluidity between indoor and outdoor spaces. With the second story set strategically over a portion of the first, an open roof deck provides another functional outdoor space that offers panoramic views overlooking the pool area. A basketball court stands adjacent to the pool area, linking the ADU to the primary residence while creating a dynamic recreational zone that encourages activity and emphasizes the thoughtful integration of leisure and play.

Aesthetically, the home’s interior includes a mix of elements; wood, concrete, and fire contribute to the peaceful atmosphere of the space, and a monochromatic color palette was implemented to allow these natural materials to shine through. The clients, Jessica and Mark Kusmana, were also deeply involved in the design process, and Mark personally built all the cabinets in the home (sustainably made using Valchromat MDF with natural wood veneers or high pressure laminates for surfaces). Modest private spaces, like the house’s bedrooms and five accompanying bathrooms, ensure that there is ample room for the family and visitors alike, maximizing comfort and livability with a modern simplicity.

Beyond the design itself, the home prioritizes a connection with nature through a multitude of sustainability considerations. Kebony modified lumber was selected for cladding, decking, and fence boards due to its enhanced longevity and reduced environmental impact. The home also employs Minarc’s fire-resistant, noncombustible building system not only ensuring higher precision and waste reduction, but also superior energy efficiency, ultimately reducing heating and cooling costs for the homeowners through the use of advanced insulation materials and techniques during the prefabrication process. This feature helps to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round, greatly reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. Working in tandem with high-efficiency equipment and appliances, including radiant floor heating powered by heat pumps, these measures reduce energy consumption, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance the occupants' living experience.

The Zen House project exemplifies Minarc's commitment to innovative design, sustainability, and the realization of the client’s vision to maintain an active, outdoor lifestyle. By prioritizing the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, maximizing natural light and ventilation, and employing sustainable design techniques, this modern, minimalist home demonstrates how thoughtful design can overcome site challenges to create a harmonious living environment.