Having become intimately connected to this property’s legacy, an architect sets about orchestrating a sensitive renovation for her family.
Architect and co-founder of Californian studio Electric Bowery, Cayley Lambur, was uniquely positioned to reinvigorate this home in the Big Sur. Originally a weekend getaway house, it became a necessary retreat during the pandemic— an experience that led Lambur and her family to become embedded in the Big Sur community and its thriving arts milieu. This pivotal home became the first Big Sur project for Electric Bowery, since leading to many more.
Living and raising small children in the house, Lambur gained an intimate understanding of its flow and functionality. This set the groundwork for adapting and enhancing the original house and its distinctly organic architectural style. We spoke with Lambur about the journey of remaking this home as a personal and charming family dwelling.
The property’s uniqueness lies in its deep connection to the landscape, a vision initially crafted by iconic architect Mickey Muennig. “Being able to craft the space with full appreciation of his incredible work was such an honour,” Lambur says. “It provided a lot of inspiration on how we might manipulate or redesign certain spaces while still aligning with the original design intent. The way this home appreciates its location is so evident and guided us to design in harmony with the natural surroundings and material palette found in Big Sur.”
Updating the house for contemporary living while preserving Muennig’s original architectural style presented challenges. Embracing the organic architectural style, Lambur and her team, including director of interiors Stephanie Luk, layered warm materials and textures with custom furniture to create a family home that feels relaxed.
Materials and furnishings were selected to complement the original style. As Lambur reflects on the renovation journey: “This wasn’t a typical renovation; it was a legacy project. The challenges provided inspiration that forced us to think outside the box, ultimately resulting in a very special home.”
While sensitive to the aesthetics, the rigour of the changes didn’t hold back. The kitchen and bathrooms were gutted, and the layout and circulation of the home were completely updated. But Lambur maintained a clear vision: “Every choice was made with intention, and the renovation was a natural process expressed through the design.”
A custom-designed caterpillar sofa faces large picture windows, positioned to perfectly capture the best natural light.
A holistic approach guided the interiors, blending laid-back hospitality with Muennig’s original architecture. “The furniture and styling are layered to provide warmth and texture, leaning into the quintessential ‘Big Sur style’,” Lambur notes. A standout piece is the curved moss-coloured channel sofa, which is a custom-designed piece. It was one of the first pieces Lambur and her team designed for the home, even before more extensive work was done. “It’s the perfect place to lounge with a book, storm watch, or enjoy sunset views into the canyon together with friends and family,” she shares.
The selection of materials reflects the surrounding natural environment. Locally milled redwood panelling matches the original redwood throughout the house— a nod to the vernacular that brings a level of richness. “We wanted to incorporate more of this redwood panelling throughout the home to create a connection that brings the outside in, and vice versa,” Lambur explains. Walnut is another prominent material choice, featured in custom pieces like the primary bed and a bespoke cocktail table crafted from a live-edge claro walnut slab. These design choices were made to imbue the space with a rugged, natural feel while differentiating from the original redwood.
Celebrating natural light was a priority. “To fully embed the home with the surrounding nature, we embraced the natural light that floods into the interiors,” Lambur says. The interiors now celebrate and frame the incredible landscape views and ocean scenery. “A big part of the renovation was to bring the outside in, both through the windows and by integrating an earthy palette throughout the home,” Lambur says.
Vintage furniture and layers of textures have been added to furnish this home with a ‘Big Sur’ casual aesthetic, including the Percival Lafter MP-97 chairs.
A particularly unique aspect of the property is the 1955 Spartan Imperial Mansion trailer. Conceived as a guest suite or office space, the team transformed a dilapidated caravan trailer with a decidedly retro aesthetic.
With Big Sur about a six-hour drive from Venice Beach, where the Electric Bowery HQ is set up, Lambur and her family often host friends. Needing additional space for guests, the trailer is a veritable retreat. A new deck and exterior improvements are met with a complete interior restoration, where original details such as bedroom cabinets and checkerboard lino flooring are maintained.
The materiality harks back to the original home with vertical redwood panelling.
Cayley Lambur’s journey with her Big Sur home exemplifies the delicate balance between honouring architectural legacy and embracing contemporary living. With the thoughtful renovations and a deep connection to the community, she has crafted a space that is both a personal sanctuary, all while capturing the timeless beauty of the Big Sur.
This wasn’t a typical renovation; it was a legacy project. The challenges provided inspiration that forced us to think outside the box, ultimately resulting in a very special home.
– Cayley Lambur, Electric Bowery
While honouring the home’s original character, the kitchen and bathrooms were entirely gutted to make them more conducive to a modern family—the tones feel right at home given the natural surroundings.
An incredible 1955 trailer that was in a dilapidated condition was restored. The trailer’s in-built study features the Herman Miller Eames Aluminium Group Management chair.
Electric Bowery Co-Founder Cayley Lambur and her children.
The natural landscape was a drawcard for Lambur and her family in making this home their full-time residence.
