Modern Coastal Home Design

This San Dieguito Residence connects to its SoCal beach setting with contemporary craftsmanship and sustainable materials

“Western Red Cedar enhanced this project by both its quality and natural warmth – nothing else can do that the same way.” – Brett Farrow, Architect

ARCHITECT: Brett Farrow Architect

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Coastline Engineering – Mike Israel

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Brett Farrow Architect

PHOTOGRAPHY: Auda & Auda Photography

What makes a house feel timeless? Is it the materials, the way it connects to its surroundings, or the way light moves through its spaces? For architect and builder Brett Farrow, AIA, it’s all of the above—and the San Dieguito Residence is a testament to that philosophy.

Encinitas, a coastal town just north of San Diego, is defined by its rugged bluffs, sandy beaches, and a climate that invites year-round indoor-outdoor living. The ocean’s influence is ever-present—salt air drifts through the hills, golden light shifts throughout the day, and cool breezes roll in like clockwork. Designing for this environment means embracing materials that not only endure but also evolve with time.

With that in mind, Western Red Cedar became a defining element of the home’s character. Used for vertical siding, exposed ceilings, and fencing, its warmth and richness play a crucial role in shaping the overall feel of the house.

The Beauty of Knotty Cedar

“I chose Western Red Cedar because it is, to me, the highest quality material that I can use in a project,” explains Brett Farrow, AIA, the project’s lead architect and general contractor. “Cedar can be stained or left untreated, will last for generations, and is naturally insect and water resistant. It also brings a warmth and beautiful color to any setting. The way light reflects off of it in natural daylight or at night with uplighting creates a special glow.”

As for grades, Farrow deliberately chose knotty cedar, appreciating the way its organic patterns enhance the architectural composition.

“I actually prefer using Select Knotty,” he says. “To me, the knots and wood grain patterns create both interest and communicate a connection to the natural world. I like the imperfections, which are always unique and, to me, allow for a certain meditative daydreaming when looking at it closely or widely on a surface plane. When used in large formats, it becomes a textural field that organizes architectural planes very nicely.”

Making Green Building Choices

Sustainability was also a key factor in material selection. The home integrates passive solar strategies, energy-efficient systems, and native landscaping, aligning with the homeowners’ commitment to environmentally responsible design. Cedar’s natural durability, renewability, and climate-fighting properties made it a perfect fit for this vision.

“It feels good knowing that this material is not synthetic, can be regrown, and captures carbon,” Farrow says before adding, “Cedar as a material and an exterior finish also sends a message that this home involves craftsmanship.”

Material Section: Western Red Cedar Specs

• GRADE KD Select
• Knotty SIZE 1×6
• FASTENING Stainless steel
• FINISH Semitransparent stain