Nestled in a vibrant Manhattan Beach neighborhood, Paul and Cailin Goncalves’ home not only tells the story of their emotional connection to their surroundings but also exemplifies a unique architectural transformation.
This sweet bungalow, built in 1949, stands out not just for its charming design but for how it resonates with the lifestyle of its inhabitants, particularly their love for the nearby Pacific Ocean.
“My son and I surf regularly down the street,’ says Paul, an entrepreneur. ‘The beach is our backyard.’
Cailin, an executive at Condé Nast, echoes the sentiment: ‘We love our neighborhood. It’s alive with kids everywhere.’ In their search for the perfect home, the couple prioritized outdoor space, a feature they initially believed they wouldn’t find close to the beach.
When the Goncalves purchased their home a decade ago, they found joy in its location on a street-to-alley lot.
However, after more than ten years in the three-bedroom house with their two children, now aged 12 and 17, they felt the need for a change.
Facing the challenges of cramped, compartmentalized interiors, they sought a contemporary design that wouldn’t sacrifice their cherished neighborhood.
Avoiding the common trend of adding a second floor, which could block views of the ocean and infringe on their neighbors’ privacy, was vital.
Instead, the couple embarked on a renovation project that reimagined their home’s layout, optimizing natural light and flow.
“We definitely looked around before embarking on the renovation to see what was out there,” Cailin explains. “But we realized we would never secure exactly what we wanted unless we did it ourselves.
Architects Harper Halprin and Aaron Leshtz of AAHA Studio were brought in to assist with the transformation.
Their vision centered on creating an open space that maximizes natural light while maintaining the home’s existing footprint of 1,744 square feet.
“Paul and Cailin are creative people. They wanted to make the most of what they had by reshaping it in their image,” Leshtz reveals.
Inspired by Scandinavian design, the couple desired an aesthetic that focused on simplicity, natural materials, and abundant light.
The architects’ renovations included the addition of a contemporary standing-seam metal roof and a stylish wrap of durable western red cedar, giving the house a clean and modern surf shack appearance.
One of the significant changes involved relocating the front door for better accessibility and connection to the main living areas.
Widening the circulation zone between the living room and kitchen further contributed to the sense of openness.
Additionally, they incorporated large pocket doors to provide the kids with privacy in the study, allowing them to enjoy their time without disturbing the rest of the household.
The bathrooms were also completely revamped, ensuring functionality while adhering to the clean aesthetic emphasized throughout the home.
The kitchen renovation introduced custom cabinets made of light wood, enhanced by a Fleetwood pocket door system for an easy flow between the indoor space and a sunny courtyard.
However, rectifying the home’s structural issues turned out to be more extensive than anticipated, as Leshtz noted, “I showed up one day and found the roof was off because the house was falling apart.”
Ultimately, the kitchen benefited from reframing, leading to vaulted ceilings and skylights that visually expanded the space.
Paul remarked, “The new pocket door makes the kitchen feel like you’re outside.”
In addition to revamping the main house, the couple aimed to enhance the 400-square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) situated above the garage.
Previously underutilized, it lacked connectivity to the main living environment.
“Before the renovation, we never used it,” Paul shares, emphasizing the importance of making this space functional.
The value of the newly renovated ADU became evident especially during family visits; Paul’s parents from Portugal and Cailin’s parents from Philadelphia often stay there.
Paul expressed, “It felt like a hotel,” underscoring the versatile nature of the space designed for family gatherings, leisure, and work.
Additionally, the ADU features modern design elements, including sleek cabinetry and dramatic matte black fixtures that create a striking contrast with the white walls.
The connection between the main house and the ADU is facilitated by a new courtyard, transformed from red brick into a smooth, modern concrete space featuring an inviting fire pit and various seating areas.
Outdoor amenities also include a shower, which Paul states, “we use it all the time,” conveniently located near the garage filled with surfboards and bikes.
Despite the project spanning two years, Paul and Cailin, who rented a house nearby during construction, feel that every moment spent waiting was worthwhile.
“I grew up surfing in Montauk, and I wanted to create that feeling here,” Paul says nostalgically.
The Goncalves’ commitment to their community and the reimagining of their cherished home illustrate a profound connection to both place and family life in Manhattan Beach.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-06-04/midcentury-manhattan-beach-home-and-adu-get-scandinavian-modern-update
