The Malibu Remodel is unique in both its design and construction. Innovative approaches were required because of the opportunities and challenges of building in Malibu.

The project was conceived of during a period when no new building permits were being issued due to a conflict between the state and city. Despite the scope of work requested by the client, the project needed to be a remodel and the house could not extend above its existing height. The decision was made to add a lower level addition the hillside below the existing house. The challenge was to support the existing house while completely rebuilding underneath it.

The house is designed as a subtly modern remake of the existing simple ranch style home. The traditional massing and general appearance of the home was maintained while the detailing was reconceived with a clean modern sensibility. The dichotomy of the traditional forms with modern detailing is most clearly expressed in the exterior siding. The siding is a very modern green rain screen yet it is detailed to recall the board and batten that previously existed on the house.