If this house looks strikingly familiar, it has good reason to be. The cinephiles among us  will recognise it as the bachelor pad of George (Colin Firth) from Tom Ford’s superb 2009 film, ‘A Single Man’, while design lovers will recall John Lautner’s Schaffer House, which was recently given a thoroughly modern makeover.

Originally conceived amongst the grand oak trees of the Whiting Woods in Glendale, Malibu, the 1949 build integrated the surrounding landscape beautifully, bringing a ‘wood cabin’ mood to the space. To deliver it into the 21st century, Scott Mitchell Studio architects and Denise Kuriger Design have retained the elegant redwood and glass foundations of the home, while adding subtle contemporary elements.

ARCHITECTURE Scott Mitchell Studio | DESIGN Denise Kuriger Design | PHOTOGRAPHY Steve Shaw

Elegant angles emerging from the estate’s central point bring about a beautiful definition of spaces, while sturdy concrete columns provide a simple contrast to the building’s slimline surfaces. The home reaches horizontally across the estate, intersected by tall columns of concrete providing a sense of movement.

The building overlooks the nearby Pacific Ocean, and succeeds in achieving a sense of belonging to the rocky beachside cliffs. Its board form finished concrete and distressed white oak radiate an earthy character, whilst expansive, floor to ceiling windows capitalise on the stunning views. Denise Kuriger’s use of classic, pale wood cabinetry and generous, family style seating zones create a comfortable yet refined vibe. The incorporation of mid-century furnishings and playful abstract artworks into the open plan spaces give a nod to the home’s beginnings.

Despite the area’s natural beauty, outdoor areas have not been forgotten. Cascading geometric water features and a resort style infinity pool create spaces for family and friends to linger and play.

Scott Mitchell Studio Architects and Denise Kuriger Design have together created elegantly modulated spaces – both indoors and out – giving an overall sense of balance to this remodelled SoCal beauty.

Expansive family zones give way to intimate, slender spaces in this modernised, mid-century beauty.