Inside A Stunning Sandcastle-Shaped Beach House | On The Market | Architectural Digest

TL;DR

A one-of-a-kind beach house built with reclaimed materials, The Sand Castle in Malibu offers a magical and creative living experience.

Transcript

foreign welcome my name is Zen Gessner I'm the son of Harry Gesner who's the architect of the sand castle 33604 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu California the sand castle is a one-of-a-kind structure my father built it with reclaimed materials the property has six bedrooms there's three in the main sand castle and three in three separate Apartments su... Read More

Key Insights

• 🏛️ The Sand Castle was built by architect Harry Gesner, known for his unique and sustainable designs using reclaimed materials.
• 🤵 The house features a sunken living room that resembles a Greek theater and a fireplace designed like a stage.
• 🤣 The sand castle’s exterior is adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing breathtaking views and a strong connection to nature.
• 🤣 The interior of the house boasts reclaimed materials, including maple floors, old growth Redwood walls, and stained glass windows.
• 👻 The architectural design allows the house to withstand earthquakes and has remained stable for over 50 years.
• 🛝 The Sand Castle's unique round shape and unconventional design have made it a community center and a popular gathering place for friends and neighbors.
• 💄 The property includes separate apartments, such as the treehouse apartment and the boathouse, making it versatile for accommodating guests.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the inspiration behind The Sand Castle's design?

The architect, Harry Gesner, was inspired by the idea of creating a family beach house that promotes creative thought and communion with nature.

Q: What materials were used to build The Sand Castle?

The house is built primarily from reclaimed materials, including maple floors from a burning school, old growth Redwood from Aqueduct pipe, and stained glass windows from a church in Pasadena.

Q: How does The Sand Castle withstand earthquakes?

The house has no foundations and is built on a concrete dinner plate on sand, which makes it non-compressible and able to ride out earthquakes without tilting.

Q: How did the round design of The Sand Castle encourage community interaction?

The unconventional round shape of the house created a welcoming and creative atmosphere, making it a popular gathering place for friends and neighbors.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Sand Castle is a distinctive structure in Malibu, built by architect Harry Gesner with reclaimed materials.

• The property features six bedrooms, including three in the main sand castle and three in separate apartments.

• With its unique design, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a strong connection to nature, the house provides an ultimate family beach house experience.