Experience Sensory Bliss: Explore a Sea Ranch Home Designed for Light and Sound

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Located precariously close to the edge of a cliff in the Sea Ranch community of California, the Standing Wave residence fully embraces the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. The home, owned by Ivy Ross, the Vice President of Design for Consumer Hardware at Google, is more than just a dwelling; it’s a study on the impact of space on human emotions and sensations.

A Collaboration Rooted in Neuroaesthetics

Ivy Ross teamed up with architect and designer Suchi Reddy, continuing a collaborative journey that spans over a decade. Their mutual fascination with neuroaesthetics—a field that investigates how surroundings influence mental and physical health—shaped the renovation of Standing Wave. The redesign wasn’t about adding decorative elements; instead, it involved modifying internal structures. Original floors and ceilings were maintained, but walls were moved, rooms reconfigured, and windows realigned to maximize views of the ocean, coastal rocks, and the sky.

The redesign of the house delicately manages the balance between private and communal areas. The main bedroom and office are positioned at opposite ends, creating secluded spaces for solitude, whereas the kitchen, revamped to facilitate social interactions, is equipped with Henrybuilt fittings and centers around a bespoke crystal display. This installation highlights Ross’s ongoing interest in natural patterns and energies, a theme that is further explored in the office with a collection of crystals that mirror the natural rhythms of the surrounding landscape.

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Engaging the Senses

In Standing Wave, sensory experiences are as much a part of the design as any physical material. Light is manipulated to create ambiance, while sounds are designed to resonate within the space. The office features a sound tube instrument by Wolfgang Deinart, which uses vibration as a medium of sound, adding depth to the sensory experience of the room. Ross’s choice of art, including pieces from Eileen Fisher’s Waste No More project, infuses the living spaces with texture, history, and purpose.

Upon entering the home, visitors are immediately treated to a view of the ocean, framed perfectly by the architecture. The fireplace has been integrated into the wall, allowing for a sculptural focus rather than distraction. The primary bathroom boasts a Japanese soaking tub and sauna facing the ocean, turning daily routines into rejuvenating experiences. In the guest bathroom, a custom light fixture designed by Reddy with colored plexiglass casts a soft, changing light that subtly alters the perception of the space.

Through thoughtful design and attention to detail, Standing Wave stands as a testament to how environments can profoundly affect our well-being and perceptions, making it a home that doesn’t just provide shelter but actively engages with its inhabitants on a sensory level.