The Pacific Style

When I see the twin roof peaks of this house in Point Loma pointing to its view of the Pacific Ocean, I think of the bows of a catamaran. This 1961 custom designed Pacific Style modernist home was once featured in either Life Magazine or Sunset Magazine–research on that is still in progress. But one member of SOHO’s Modernism Committee remembers it.

Those extremely steep peaked roofs brings to mind a Tiki influence but also coincides with Googie or Futuristic Mid Century Modern architecture. 

The landscaping, the lagoon-like pool, the lanai shaded patio area all speaks to a Pacific and Island influence. The strong influence of Hawaii being granted Statehood in 1959 and a nation wide fascination with Pacific Island culture and design, including Tiki craze.

We are learning more about whom the house is built for, but still don’t know the designer or architect.

In its day this house had to be one of Point Loma’s most spectacular modern homes. Clearly the home is laid out for major social function, capable of hosting a large number of guests.

It goes down past a bedroom and private patio…

And then it touches down on the ground. Sadly a lot of the wood is rotting. Also note the private enclosed angled patio wall.

This is horrible to see. Plastic covering the roof. There appears to be deterioration caused by water damage inside. Aside from serious condition issues we’ve learned the interior is spectacular, all original and highly intact–including original furniture.

Unfortunately the property has been subdivided. The former pool house is now a separate residence. An application has been submitted to remodel this building.

Detail of the lanai.

The pool house falls clearly in the Pacific Ranch Style house category with its board and baton siding and exotic roof beam.

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I am Dan Soderberg, award winning documentary film maker and phototgrapher specializing in architecture, historic preservation and nature.

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