Montalba Architects, Inc.

Located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California, Nobu Ryokan is a completely renovated 1950s-era beach motel that combines the minimalist aesthetic of traditional Japanese inns with the cool elegance of the California coastline. A simple, veiled entrance opens onto an ocean-facing courtyard. around which the bungalows face. The different buildings are brought together with a unified palette, which flows seamlessly from outdoors to indoors: exterior limestone pavers become inlays in the reception area’s teak flooring, then turn vertically up the walls at the sculptural main entry stair and fireplace surround; built-in teak millwork in each of the 16 guestrooms suggests the lattice-like exposed cedar rafter ceiling; large wood and glazed doors and skylights bring natural light deep into the interiors of the suites. Integrated landscape elements push and pull against the building facade to create pocket gardens, while dramatic eaves and sliding wooden screens at the balconies and lower level courtyards provide shade and privacy for guests.