Source: Clips from the *Coast Modern* film; coastmodernfilm.com

What Exactly Is Coast Modern?

by SweisKloss
March 10, 2022

Coast Modern is a documentary film that thoughtfully weaves commentary and cinematography of iconic and more obscure modern homes this side of the continent from L.A. to Vancouver that were built mid-century and after. Coast Modern is also the label coined in more recent years to this specific form of west coast modern aesthetic, which is not so much a movement as it is a way of living. And while this coastal style certainly encompasses Mid-century Modernism, it has evolved into various yet striking translations over the years.

Watching the Coast Modern film (originally released in 2013) with fresh eyes and partly because we’re still amid a roller coaster pandemic made us catch the underlying theme in a more pronounced way…we all should live in a home that nurtures us and creates well-being. Coast Modern style has always been about building into the natural environment, blurring indoor and outdoor spaces, and producing positive sense stimulation that enhances people’s lives.

Interviewee and architect Kim Smith said, “Being in a Modernist house is a different type of living. There’s a more open concept to the plan because the idea of living is more fluid.” She also adds that another distinction of this type of design is openly seeing the building materials, not necessary in its raw form but in a crafted way, playing off its organic quality.

Although the film highlights homes built by renowned architects, like Ray Kappe and Pierre Koenig, and includes an interview with a resident of the well-known Sea Ranch community (a seaside architectural wonderland in NorCal), the filmmakers Gavin Froome and Michael Bernard give plenty of focused time to homes designed by other architects from the 70’s up to today. Homes where the design is a modern extension of the natural surroundings. Dictated by geographical elements, a home in Vancouver is different from a home in Portland or a home in Los Angeles, but they all still have a continuity of minimalism and ecological sensitivity. A quietness in form.

Architect George Suyama designed his own Seattle Coastal Modern home, which is featured toward the end of the film. His design philosophy could resonate with just about anyone. He talks about the idea of wabi-sabi when designing and building a structure. Wabi-sabi basically means finding beauty and wisdom in natural simplicity even when imperfect. He goes on to say, “I always like things that change. I always like things that age gracefully. It’s that sort of contrast between the polished and the worn that adds, I think, texture and actually adds beauty to the whole composition.”

We recommend adding Coast Modern to your streaming list. It is currently on Apple TV and IMDb TV. Our only complaint about the film...it wasn’t long enough. Here's hoping there's a Coast Modern sequel.