Landscape, geometry and light interact to define this seaside dwelling, both a retreat and a studio for the owners. The site is an open meadow with, significantly, only one tree that defines the juncture of house and guest accommodations and sets the defining limit of the building in the landscape. In front of that tree and its definition the site is bare to the pebble beach and the ocean. The panorama is inescapable but the house must be protected in storms and the owners’ absence so continuous wood decks hinge up to cover the sliding glass doors and the building is raised to allow extreme tides and wave action to pass below the living space. Closed and contained when abandoned, suffused with brilliant light when the owners occupy their retreat.