Beach House Face Rock by Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects in Bandon, Oregon

Project: Face Rock Beach HouseArchitects: Giulietti Schouten Weber ArchitectsLocation: Bandon, Oregon, United StatesSquare Footage: 43,852 sq ftYear: 2020Photos by: Valve Interactive

Beach House Face Rock by Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects

Situated on an ocean cliff in Bandon, Oregon, the Face Rock Beach House offers breathtaking views of the sea and the famous Face Rock, rich in Kookoolau legends. Initially hesitant to build on their beloved land offering views of this natural wonder, the clients were captivated by the idea of a multi-generational resort.

They approached Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects (GSW/A) to bring their vision to life. The project focused on maximizing ocean panoramas while adhering to strict coastal restrictions. The house combines mid-century modern style with coastal architecture. It features durable materials, a butterfly roof for expanded views and a unique green roof over the garage that harmonizes with the natural landscape and manages stormwater runoff.

The Face Rock Beach House is located on an ocean cliff in the coastal town of Bandon, Oregon. The house opens to a stunning view of the marine landscape and rocky outcrops on the west side. Face Rock, after which the house is named, is a rocky column with a distinctive face according to Kookoolau legend - it's the princess Evauna looking up towards the heavens.

The clients, who regularly travel from Arizona to Bandon to play at the famous Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, purchased a plot above Face Rock years ago but left it empty unsure if they wanted to build there or not. The opportunity to create a family resort and space for multi-generational gatherings eventually convinced the clients to seek an architect. Their son recommended Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects (GSW/A), which recently renovated a house designed by this firm.

Due to its exceptional location, the main challenge was maximizing views from as many rooms of the house as possible with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the ocean and rocky outcrops. Bandon has strict setback rules along the coastline regarding neighboring house sightlines, requiring the house to be set back from the cliff edge. Initially concerned that a two-level project on a narrow lot could not provide views from both levels, the clients were reassured by careful room configuration and window placement, as well as removing tall invasive shrubs before construction, which preserved the views.

The overall building design aimed to integrate aesthetic preferences of different family members and mid-century modern style with coastal architecture. For protection against harsh maritime conditions, vertical Ipe wood panels were chosen. The butterfly roof allows for extended views in both directions by increasing the height of windows. Concrete walls with texture and a low fence surround the local coastal landscape, gently leading to the house and reducing its prominence in the overall scenery.

One of the unique aspects of the house was using a green roof instead of a standard garage roof with low-maintenance plants in a graphic pattern. The plants change colors seasonally and provide a pleasant backdrop from upper windows. The green roof also helps reduce stormwater runoff, which is important for a region that averages 60 inches of precipitation annually.

–Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects