Condominium 1, National Historic Landmark in Sea Ranch, California
Condominium 1 is a modern residential structure in Sea Ranch, California, containing ten housing units arranged within a single unified building positioned along the Pacific Ocean cliff edge. The structure spans roughly 3.3 acres of coastal land and combines vertical redwood siding with pitched roofs into one cohesive architectural form.
The building was completed in 1965 by the MLTW architectural partnership and marked the start of the first residential development at Sea Ranch. This early realization established new standards for connecting residential design with the natural coastal environment.
The structure reflects local agricultural building traditions through its timber framing and vertical wood siding that visitors can see today. These design choices echo the regional architectural language of the surrounding coastal area.
The building sits along Sea Walk Drive with direct cliff and ocean access, so sturdy footwear and caution near the rock edges are wise precautions. Viewing the exterior is possible year-round, but the grounds can be challenging during heavy wind and poor weather conditions.
The building received the Twenty-Five Year Award from the American Institute of Architects in 1991, a rare honor given to structures that maintain their design quality across decades. This recognition highlights how well its timeless architecture has integrated with the surrounding natural environment.
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