Butterfly House, Mid-century modern residence in Carmel-by-the-Sea, United States.

The Butterfly House is a mid-century modern residence in Carmel-by-the-Sea that sits directly on rocky shoreline overlooking the bay. Its signature wing-shaped roof extends over the site, and a cantilevered deck juts out over the granite rocks below.

Francis W. Wynkoop designed the Butterfly House and began construction in 1951, completing it in 1952. Workers drilled caissons 5 ft (1.5 m) into the granite below ground level and covered them with reinforced concrete to support the cantilevered deck. The house was sold in 2014 and then underwent major renovations.

The name comes from the wing-shaped roof that resembles a butterfly's spread wings. This distinctive form remains visible today and makes the house instantly recognizable along the coastline.

This property sits on an exposed rocky coast where conditions can be windy and subject to ocean spray. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and watch their footing on the narrow paths and steep sections.

The pumice block was used for the house itself, not the deck, chosen so the building would blend into its surroundings. The cantilevered deck rests on caissons drilled 5 ft (1.5 m) into the granite and covered with reinforced concrete. The house was sold in 2014 and underwent major renovations.