Wave House, by late architect Harry Gesner, is an iconic landmark of California’s coastal architectural heritage that is celebrated for its bold structure and visionary organic shape that draws a deep connection to the ocean and the natural beauty of its surroundings.
- Name: Wave House
- Bedrooms: 6
- Bathrooms: 8
- Size: 6,451 sq. ft.
- Lot: 0.70 acres
- Built: 1963
The Wave House, an iconic mid-century modern masterpiece designed by visionary architect Harry Gesner, commands attention on the Malibu coastline with its striking rooflines that mimic the crests of the ocean waves below. Completed in 1963, the house is celebrated for its seamless integration with its natural surroundings, a feat Gesner achieved by drawing the original plans while afloat on a surfboard. The residence features expansive oceanfront spaces, including a primary suite with a hot tub and sauna, and five additional bedrooms offering sweeping views of the Pacific. Architectural elements such as vaulted ceilings, wraparound decks, and hand-cut copper shingles echo the rhythmic patterns of the sea, establishing the Wave House as a remarkable example of mid-century innovation.
The property’s history is intertwined with the evolution of California’s coastal architecture. Designed to emulate the natural forms of the surrounding environment, the Wave House has become a symbol of Malibu’s unique blend of artistic and natural beauty. Gesner’s innovative approach to architecture, inspired by his deep connection to the ocean, has influenced designs far beyond Malibu, capturing the imagination of architects and enthusiasts alike. The home’s distinctive features, such as its sunken conversation pit and cantilevered roofs, showcase the creative possibilities of integrating design with nature.
The Wave House’s significance extends beyond its location. Gesner’s innovative architectural methods, developed through his close relationship with the ocean, have left an indelible mark on 20th-century design. The home’s organic shapes and bold structures are said to have inspired the design of the Sydney Opera House, underscoring its place in the broader narrative of architectural innovation. With its storied past and extraordinary design, the Wave House remains a symbol of the enduring allure of the Malibu coastline.
The Wave House has a rich history of ownership by notable figures in the entertainment industry, further enhancing its allure. The idiosyncratic modernist abode was originally built by Harry Gesner for his friend and fellow surfer Gerry Cooper in the 1960s. The property was later owned by British rock legend Rod Stewart, who acquired the home in the 1970s. Stewart’s ownership was followed by Warner Bros. Records executive Mo Ostin, a titan in the music industry known for his ability to discover and cultivate premier talent. Ostin, who purchased the home in the late 1980s, maintained the property for over three decades, preserving its unique architectural character while adding his personal touches, such as the iconic copper shingles that now grace the roof.
The Wave House recently made headlines again when it was purchased by supermodel Karlie Kloss and her husband, venture capitalist Joshua Kushner in a highly publicized transaction. The couple acquired the property for $29.5 million on August 26, 2024, a significant discount from its original $49.5 million asking price in 2023. This sale marked the first time the home had changed hands in over 30 years, signifying the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in the property’s storied history.
33602 Pacific Coast Hwy in Malibu, CA was Sold for $29,500,000 USD on Aug 26, 2024 – Zillow
According to the Daily Mail:
Kushner, brother of former President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, is the founder of Thrive Capital, a venture-capital firm that has backed technology companies including Instagram, GitHub, and Spotify.
In a Aug 26, 2024 article, the WSJ reported:
Joshua Kushner and Karlie Kloss paid $29.5 million for Wave House, an iconic Malibu, Calif., property designed to look like cresting waves, according to people familiar with the situation.
The 1950s-era Midcentury Modern residence, designed by the late architect Harry Gesner, was first listed for $49.5 million in June 2023. It was previously owned by the late Mo Ostin, an influential music executive who led Warner Bros. Records for decades. Ostin, who died in 2022, bought the property in the late 1980s.
- Architect: Harry Gesner
- Photography: Berlyn Photography
- List Price: $49,500,000 USD – (06/01/2023)
- Owners: Karlie Kloss (Supermodel) and her husband, Joshua Kushner (Venture Capitalist)
- Purchase Price: $29,500,000 USD – (08/26/2024)
- Past Owner: Mo Ostin – Warner and Reprise Records CEO (1980’s)
- Past Owner: Rod Stewart – British Singer and Songwriter (1970’s)
- Original Owner: Glenn and Gerry Cooper – Local Lumberyard Owners (1963)
- Location: 33602 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
