Kalpana Kalpana (Editor)

Condominium 1

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Built
  
1965

Area
  
1 ha

Architecture firm
  
MLTW

NRHP Reference #
  
05000731

Opened
  
1965

Added to NRHP
  
29 July 2005

Condominium 1 prmdsonomacountyorgimageshistoriclandmarks1

Location
  
110-128 Sea Walk Dr., The Sea Ranch, California

Architectural styles
  
Modern architecture, Third Bay Tradition

Architects
  
Charles Moore, William Turnbull, Jr., Donlyn Lyndon, Richard Whitaker

Similar
  
Sea Ranch Chapel, Piazza d'Italia - New Orle, Hines House, Vanna Venturi House, Commonwealth Building

Condominium 1 was the first unit in the Sea Ranch development on the Pacific coast of Sonoma County, California. The complex was designed by Charles W. Moore, Donlyn Lyndon, William Turnbull, Jr. and Richard Whitaker of the MLTW partnership in 1963-1964, and was built by contractor Matthew Sylvia in 1965. The timber-framed structure overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It has been described as one of the most significant architectural designs of the 1960s in California.

The 10-unit structure was Moore's first major work. The design was inspired by barns and other farm buildings in the region and, with the help of landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, was built to take into account the local ecology. It exemplifies Moore's "shed style" with single-pitched roofs, board siding, and plain detailing. The style, with its emphasis on a partnership with the site, was a break from the International Style. The design principles established by Condominium 1 included the use of what Moore termed aedicules, small intimate spaces defined by four columns and a canopy, and by "saddlebags", small projections of the interior space to the exterior that provide a view or a contemplative space. The units are arranged with horizontal and vertical viewlines through the space.

Condominium 1 Sea Ranch Condominium 1 Sea Ranch CA 19631967

The condominium was featured in an extensive public relations campaign to promote the Sea Ranch development and appeared in Newsweek, the New York Times, Life, as well as design magazines such as Perspecta and Japan Architect. It received a design citation from Progressive Architect, a California Governor's Design Award in 1966 and an American Institute of Architects Honor Award in 1967. In 1991 it received the AIA Twenty-five Year Award and Moore was awarded the AIA Gold Medal. The structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

Condominium 1 Sea Ranch Condominium 1 Sea Ranch CA 19631967

Description

Condominium 1 Sea Ranch Condominium 1 Sea Ranch CA 19631967

Condominium 1 is located on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific. It is a complex of ten condominium units, intended to be seen as a single structure. The timber frame is clad in vertical redwood siding, with vertical forms resembling mine structures anchoring a series of sloping roofs that descend toward the ocean, perforated by skylights. A number of saddlebag bays protrude on all sides. Windows are plain openings without trim or mullions. There are no eaves or significant fascia trim. On the uphill side the building wraps around a courtyard that houses the units' garages. Interior spaces feature the full range of MLTW-developed design elements, including free-standing aedicules.

Condominium 1 FileCondominium 1 110128 Sea Walk Dr Sea Ranch CA 752010 7

References

Condominium 1 Wikipedia