Like a kind of coastal chameleon, this house absorbs and reflects the ever-changing colors and moods of its site on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Built for a retired couple with grown children, the Zeidler residence is a casual but gracious platform for living by the sea, offering myriad places to savor the sunshine, breezes, and views.

Ehrlich and Yanai designed the house as two buildings that appear to be clusters of cubes, like children’s blocks, separated by a courtyard. They chose contrasting exterior materials that would break up the sculptural volumes with a rich interplay of textures and weather in the salt air.  Exposed concrete block and troweled stucco are juxtaposed with Rheinzinc, a durable metal that acquires a shimmering luster over time. Cast glass screens at the front entrance and at a corner of the pool capture light and seem to emanate a translucent glow.

The primary living spaces are contained in the two-and-one-half story main house.  The ground floor is an open plan with a double-height living room, dining area, and kitchen, all with unobstructed views of the ocean and generous walls for displaying the clients’ California modern art collection. When separation is desired, the living room can be closed off with a frosted glass pocket door that disappears into the wall. Wine-lovers who spend part of the year in France, the owners keep a wine cellar and tasting area in the full basement.

A walnut and stainless-steel staircase leads up to the master wing with its balcony and panoramic view, then up another flight to a roof deck. Equipped with a built-in barbecue, outdoor kitchen, and burnished concrete block fireplace, the roof is a favorite spot for enjoying the sunset with a glass of champagne. An elevator serves the every level of the house and facilitates entertaining.

Tall sliding glass doors that connect the house to nature. The inner courtyard has a lap pool and hardscaping for displaying outdoor sculptures. With its own full barbecue and food serving area, it offers an alternative for al fresco dining.  In the front courtyard is a petanque court for outdoor bowling, a passion the man of the house acquired in France.

The guesthouse at the back of the property encompasses three private living quarters for frequent visits from relatives and friends as well as a garage. The second-floor studio has a full kitchen and its own deck with impressive ocean views.