Exploring Coast Modern Architecture
Since its launch, X Architecture has been renowned for two things: striking architectural designs, and our never-ending debate about the perfect shade of white. While only one of these is marketable, it's worth noting that the iconic forms, cantilevered structures and flowing open spaces characterised by our architectural approach have their roots in Coastal Modern Architecture - a West Coast variation of the more traditional mid-century Modern architecture movements.
Coastal Modern (CoMo) architecture is a design movement that emerged in the mid-20th century in the coastal regions of California and the Pacific Northwest, and has continued to inspire designers and homeowners today.
This style draws inspiration from a variety of different sources, including the International Style and work of renowned architects such as Richard Neutra, Philip Johnson and Charles and Ray Eames. It also represented a departure from classic modern architecture by creating a distinctly American form of modernism that was responsive to the local landscape, climate and coastal lifestyle.
Embracing simplicity, functionality and a strong connection to nature, CoMo architecture encapsulates the essence of modernism while incorporating elements unique to its coastal context. Characterised by clean lines, natural light and sustainable design principles, CoMo effortlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, creating buildings and structures that effortlessly coexist with their natural environment.
Key features of X’s unique brand of CoMo architecture include:
Integration with the environment
The unique and picturesque locations of our buildings are designed to harmonise with their surroundings, incorporating open floor plans, large windows and extensive use of natural materials like wood and stone. This approach allows for lots of natural light, ventilation, and expansive views of the ocean or nearby landscapes.
Indoor-outdoor living
Whether the design is based in BC, California or Costa Rica, we believe in a strong and seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Patios, decks, and courtyards are often integrated, blurring the boundaries between the built environment and nature.
Emphasis on simplicity
Our approach to design favours bold, simple forms and a minimalist aesthetic, and nods to the mid-century aesthetic of the 20th century modernist architecture: functional designs that avoids unnecessary decoration.
Pushing boundaries
One of our goals as a firm is to strive to push the boundaries of what is possible (often giving our structural teams a bit of anxiety!) Using cutting-edge technology and materials such as exposed steel, glass and concrete, CoMo architecture is typified for embracing new construction techniques that push the limits of design, creating open, flexible spaces, emphasising a sense of transparency and lightness.
Sustainable Design
As a rule, good design that is rooted in place and embedded within its local context is always sustainable. To help complement this approach, our architecture often incorporates sustainable features such as passive heating and cooling strategies, energy-efficient systems, and the use of renewable materials. The goal is to minimise the environmental impact of the buildings and promote a closer connection to nature.
Balancing Privacy and Views
One of the key challenges facing coastal architecture is the ability to balance privacy and openness. Our designs explore a range of innovative strategies to maximise views and connections to outside, while preserving the peace and quietness of the open living area. This can often include the use of landscaping and planting to frame views, as well as architectural elements to screen private areas from more public spaces.
Coastal Modern architecture continues to influence contemporary design within the Pacific Northwest, and represents a unique expression of lifestyle. It not only provides a beautiful space to live and work, but offers an immersive environment that celebrates the open vistas, soothing sounds, and rejuvenating effects of coastal life.
Whether it's a beachfront resort, a cutting edge office space, a cliffside retreat or a coastal urban oasis, our approach to design aims to allow clients to connect with the surrounding environment while enjoying all the comforts of a high-end, well-designed space.
