- 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.
