The Lifeguard Tower Residence by Lazar Design/Build
Steve Lazar designed and built the Lifeguard Tower Residence in Hermosa Beach, California.
Full description after the photos….

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The Lifeguard Tower Residence by Lazar Design/Build
Design/Builder Steve Lazar has grown up with the ocean his entire life. As an avid surfer and a craftsman, he has always been inspired by iconic seaside architecture. Piers, sailboats, custom yachts and destinations such as the Hawaiian islands continue to inspire his work. Many of the custom homes he has designed create the ambiance of an idyllic island adventure.
His latest home, The Lifeguard Tower, rises three stories high on a corner lot with an expansive view of Hermosa Beach. The architecture is comprised of three trapezoidal structures, one atop the other. From the base, the residence narrows as it reaches the “look-out” tower room that gives onto a picturesque,1,600-square-foot grass-covered entertainment and dining deck facing the ocean. At night, the tower glows like a beacon of light, as it is beautifully illuminated through multiple windows that surround the structure. Although the 3,400-square-foot home is contemporary in spirit, it takes its inspiration from the classic old architecture and lifeguard towers of Maine and Cape Cod, where Lazar spent the summers of his childhood.
The Lifeguard Tower is also an experience in green living–as it incorporates the weather-worn reclaimed wood of a 100-year-old barn. The barn wood doesn’t need to be treated or sealed, and Lazar has sheathed the house in such a way that it can breathe and endure the elements. The home also utilizes a sophisticated water filtration system and features on-demand radiant heating and air. Because the home takes advantage of light and air from every corner and is impeccably insulated, air conditioning will seldom be necessary. Dual-glazed windows, coated with a shaded reflective film, will reflect the heat of the sun, keeping the residence cool year-round. These windows, coupled with the unusual 36-inch-long eaves custom designed by Lazar, create more shade than what is typically found in ordinary construction.
The Lifeguard Tower features an expansive living area and kitchen, four bedrooms, and three full baths and a powder room. The floors contain very broad planks comprised of Eastern white pine, which are not only a nod to classic Cape Cod floors, but also, because of their dimensions, can handle wear and tear better over the years. The kitchen features stainless steel with black granite countertops, and charming shaker-style cabinetry.
Lazar has creatively and methodically managed to appeal to both traditional and contemporary architecture buffs with the Lifeguard Tower. It is a romantic gesture to the past and a simultaneous whimsical nod to contemporary California beachside living.
Visit the website of Lazar Design/Build – here.
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Tristan on 02 Apr 2010 at 8:17 am #
I love all the natural light and don’t even get me started on the rooftop patio!! Amazing.
Doug on 02 Apr 2010 at 10:44 am #
So many wonderful details and angles. Especially like the indented butt-seamed angular corner window by the stairwell. What a nice piece of whimsy.
The shower wall is an object of beauty. However, not so certain about the floor with its omnipresent drainage cuts. I think I might have gone for a smaller field tile or a rectilinear dual slope drainage
Tucking the garage under was a master stroke, pure brilliance. Simply put, FANTASTIC!
Ken on 02 Apr 2010 at 10:24 pm #
Can’t help but feel sorry for the poor slob next door, whose once sunny south face is now covered in shadow.
John R on 02 Apr 2010 at 11:34 pm #
The house next door probably never had a sunny south face, because there was probably already a house where the Lifeguard Tower house is now.
Besides, if they want the sun that the corner lot gets, they should have bought that property themselves.
Doug on 03 Apr 2010 at 12:57 pm #
I wouldn’t feel sorry for any of the “poor” slobs who live on Hermosa Avenue. There was indeed a large home previously on that site and blocked the southern sun already. I’d be thankful to my neighbor for jacking up the worth of my home by proximity.
If you’re interested, it’s at Hermosa Avenue and 30th Street.