Wave House by Mark Dziewulski: A Sculptural Beach Retreat in Malibu

  • Project: Wave House
  • Architect: Mark Dziewulski Architect
  • Location: United States, Malibu Beach, California
  • Year: 2015
  • Area: 297 m2

Set on the sun-drenched shores of Malibu Beach, California, the Wave House by Mark Dziewulski is a striking contemporary residence that merges architecture with motion. Encompassing 3,200 sq ft (297 m²), this weekend retreat is dramatically cantilevered above the surf, offering uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean from nearly every room.

Architecture Inspired by the Sea

As its name suggests, the Wave House draws inspiration from the waves that crash below it. Dziewulski’s design translates the kinetic energy of the sea into a bold, fluid structure that appears to hover above the water. At high tide, the surf flows beneath the house itself, creating a thrilling connection between the built environment and its natural setting.

Positioned at the end of a long stretch of beach, the site provides panoramic ocean views on three sides, while its visibility from the Pacific Coast Highway ensures the residence serves as a landmark along this scenic route. The home’s dramatic presence is heightened by its sculptural form, where angled supports and sweeping curves echo the rhythm of the tides.

Indoor-Outdoor Living with Purpose

Large glass walls and extensive decks open the main living spaces directly to the ocean, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. Fire pits and lounging areas extend the home’s usability into the evening, while curved windows mirror and reflect the movement of the water. Every room was carefully positioned to maximize views and natural light, making this an ideal escape for entertaining or quiet reflection.

The compact, open-plan layout emphasizes spatial flexibility, while the diagonal structure creates architectural tension and drama, enhancing the visual experience from every angle. Privacy is maintained along the street-facing side, creating a subtle buffer from passersby while preserving openness toward the sea.

Sustainable and Site-Sensitive Design

A unique aspect of the Wave House is its foundation—it was built on the existing footings of a previous structure. This allowed Dziewulski’s team to minimize environmental disruption, reduce demolition waste, and reuse structural elements to craft something entirely new. By doing so, the project avoided touching the beach itself, reinforcing a commitment to sustainable building practices.

From a distance, the home evokes associations with yachts, cranes, and bathing machines—devices raised above or hovering near water. This poetic reinterpretation of form and function transforms the house into a living sculpture, perpetually engaged with the ocean beneath it.

The Wave House by Architect Mark Dziewulski in Malibu Beach, California (1)
Photography © Mark Dziewulski
The Wave House by Architect Mark Dziewulski in Malibu Beach, California (2)
Photography © Mark Dziewulski
The Wave House by Architect Mark Dziewulski in Malibu Beach, California (3)
Photography © Mark Dziewulski
The Wave House by Architect Mark Dziewulski in Malibu Beach, California (4)
Photography © Mark Dziewulski
The Wave House by Architect Mark Dziewulski in Malibu Beach, California (5)
Photography © Mark Dziewulski
The Wave House by Architect Mark Dziewulski in Malibu Beach, California (6)
Photography © Mark Dziewulski
The Wave House by Architect Mark Dziewulski in Malibu Beach, California (7)
Photography © Mark Dziewulski
The Wave House by Architect Mark Dziewulski in Malibu Beach, California (8)
Photography © Mark Dziewulski

Posted by Mark Dziewulski Architect

Mark Dziewulski is a British-American architect and artist celebrated for his visionary, sculptural approach to contemporary architecture. With studios in San Francisco and London, his work bridges the boundaries between architecture, fine art, and engineering. Educated at Cambridge University and Princeton University as a Fulbright Scholar, Dziewulski brings a strong academic foundation and artistic sensibility to every endeavor. His multidisciplinary background in both architecture and visual arts deeply informs his design philosophy, often resulting in expressive, fluid forms that engage movement, space, and light. Dziewulski has received international recognition for his contributions to the built environment and the arts. His accolades include awards from the American Institute of Architects, recognition by Robb Report as one of the “Top 30 Architects in the World,” and honors such as the Gold Cross of Merit from the Republic of Poland. His studio’s work is known for: A commitment to contextual design and material expression A strong emphasis on craftsmanship and innovation Integrating sculptural elements and symbolic meaning into built form Mark Dziewulski also maintains an active career as a visual artist, with international exhibitions of his paintings and sculptures. His artistic pursuits often explore the same themes of movement, time, and perception that are present in his architectural work.