101 Ocean
A Harmonious Fusion of Coastal Ecology and Craftsmanship
Perched prominently at the north end of Ocean Avenue, 101 Ocean is a defining fixture along the Santa Monica coastline. With panoramic views of the Pacific stretching beyond the Pacific Coast Highway, the building was originally constructed in 1963 and underwent a full renovation in 1993 that preserved its distinctive, 10-story, retro-modern silhouette and 59-unit layout. In the summer of 2024, a new transformation began focused on the exterior. Trademark Concrete and Fiore Perttula Landscape Design were brought in to collaborate on reimagining the pool and spa terrace, bringing the vision of the Landscape Architect to life through refined craftsmanship and sculptural, coastal-inspired concrete work.
At the heart of the project is a dynamic paving composition inspired by the modernist work of Brazilian Landscape Architect Roberto Burle Marx. His influence is evident in the fluid, organic geometries that animate the pool deck - gestures that recall the sinuous movement of waves and the soft edge of a receding tide. These patterns aren't merely decorative; they establish a rhythm and flow that guides residents through the space while reinforcing a sensory connection to the adjacent ocean. Since the pool garden is viewed primarily from above from the balconies of every unit, this landscape performs as a living artwork.
To execute this vision, the team employed a sophisticated palette of finishes using white sand and white cement. The hardscape alternates between honed, seeded white aggregate surfaces and delicate, sand-finished panels. These shifts in texture and tone bring subtle contrast to the terrace, catching the sunlight in nuanced ways that change throughout the day and amplify the site's coastal ambiance. The decorative concrete doesn't just support the experience, it defines it.
Each transition between textures and each alignment of control joints was carefully orchestrated to respect both the Landscape Architect's composition and the geometry of the building. The layout of the joints echoes the flowing lines of the paving pattern and integrates with the broader spatial hierarchy of the terrace. These lines are not only functional, but also sculptural, reinforcing the dialogue between architecture
and landscape.
The pool terrace has also been expanded to introduce a firepit lounge - an intimate zone that acts as a new threshold between water and gathering, day and night. This space extends the usability of the terrace into the evening hours and invites residents to enjoy the setting in new ways. Surrounding the pool are a series of multiscalar social spaces. These have been deftly woven into the garden with subtle elevation shifts, layered planting, and curated sightlines. Every effort was made to preserve unobstructed ocean views from key gathering zones while upholding all critical safety requirements.
Ecological performance was central to the design ethos. The planting palette moved away from resource-intensive annuals toward a curated selection of resilient, low-maintenance species - many of them native to coastal Southern California. This climate-adaptive strategy supports pollinators and biodiversity, ensures year-round fragrance and visual interest, and significantly reduces irrigation demands.
One of the most impactful transformations occurred in a previously overlooked rear area of the site that was once dismissed as a "no man's land." This zone was reimagined as a vibrant, edible garden where residents can gather, harvest, and engage directly with the land. It adds an unexpected layer of community interaction and enhances the sensory richness of the landscape. Adjacent to this area, the existing dog run was regraded to meet universal accessibility standards. Lush border plantings were introduced to soften the edges, elevate habitat value, and provide visual cohesion with the rest of the site.
Throughout the project, the relationship between landscape architecture and concrete craftsmanship remained seamless. Each paving panel is deliberate, every line reinforcing the broader narrative of movement, place, and form. The materials harmonize with the architecture's mid-century lines while embracing contemporary environmental values.
Ultimately, the revitalized terrace at 101 Ocean embodies a new standard in coastal residential design - one that weaves together ecological sensitivity, architectural respect, and construction excellence. It is a space that fosters community and reflection, invites movement and stillness, and elevates the everyday through purposeful design. Whether viewed from a tenth-floor balcony or experienced up close by the firepit, it's a place where coastal ecology and community life are truly interwoven through landscape.
As seen in LASN magazine, January 2026.
