Brush Stroke Residence – Black Gold Rd, La Jolla, CA, USA 🇺🇸

Brush Stroke, designed by American architectural designer Wallace E. Cunningham, is more than a striking visual statement named for its sweeping, curved design that evokes the fluid motion of a brushstroke. It is a home that is both a work of art and an intimate part of the environment with a structure that appears to grow organically from its setting. Cunningham’s genius lies in this ability to create a space that not only harmonizes with nature but elevates the experience of living within it.

Name: Brush Stroke
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 4
Size: 5,011 sq. ft.
Lot: 1.29 acres
Built: 1995

The Brushstroke House, designed by American architectural designer Wallace Cunningham sits in the exclusive coastal enclave of La Jolla, California. Known for his ability to seamlessly blend modernist architecture with the natural landscape, Cunningham designed this home for Paul and Barbara Saltman on their property after they chose to replace their original residence. The house’s design is striking for its curved, flowing lines, a signature of Cunningham’s work, which emphasize organic movement throughout the structure. Described as a glass pavilion in a garden, the Brushstroke House takes full advantage of its positioning, elevated 14 feet above its surroundings evoking a sense of harmony between the built environment and nature. The house’s curvature, from the bowing roof to the sculpted walls, mirrors the fluidity of a brushstroke, echoing the organic inspiration behind its design.

Cunningham combines the modern elements of steel and glass with more rustic and textured materials like centuries-old redwood planks salvaged from an old water tank. This juxtaposition of industrial and natural materials is typical of Cunningham’s approach, highlighting both strength and warmth within the architectural form. The dark French limestone floors provide a grounding contrast to the airy, glass-filled space, while the home’s open-concept layout maximizes the sense of flow between living and sleeping areas. Cunningham’s use of glass walls on both sides of the house allows for uninterrupted views of the lush gardens creating a dynamic interplay between the interior and exterior. The infinity pool, which extends out like a willow leaf, and the sculptural privacy walls further emphasize the blend of art, architecture, and natural beauty.

The Brushstroke House is an exceptional example of Cunningham’s innovative approach to architecture, particularly in its functional design details. For instance, the roof’s unique structure eliminates the need for traditional gutters, channeling water and leaves into a catch basin below. This level of consideration reflects Cunningham’s holistic design philosophy, where even practical elements contribute to the overall artistry and aesthetic of the home. The crowning touch of the design is the black-bottomed swimming pool, shaped in the perfect curve of the tip of an artist’s brush. The surrounding Zen garden, with its bamboo, melaleuca, and bonsai trees, enhances the house’s serene ambiance, creating an atmosphere that feels both contemporary and timeless.