The Architectural Forum, December 1940

A steam-heated beach adds a feature to this luxurious club which probably puts it in a class by itself. Aside from this Hollywoodesque innovation, which consists of two feet of "Fan Shell" sand laid over two-inch copper pipes, it is a perfectly normal piece of architecture, well designed to satisfy the requirements of its patrons. The chief feature of the plan is a very large pool, with cabanas on one side and a bathers’ terrace and bar on the other. Another court, reached through the long gallery, has the dining facilities, the main dining room being a light structure entirely glazed on both the ocean and court walls. In general, despite the size of the building, its treatment has been kept pleasantly informal, suggesting the intimacy and easy livability of the better California houses.

A controlling factor in the design was the time limit of four months for construction which was set by the owners. Since accommodations for 500 members were to be provided, and since an Olympic-size pool had also to he built within this period, all possible time-savers were used. Among these devices was the dry-wall construction which was employed throughout. The pool had to be fourteen feet in depth, extending it to four feet below sea level; to protect the pool and the other structures, a sea wall 400 feet length, was built.

The plan below reflects the possibilities afforded by the mild climate. Courts provide all needed protection from the weather during the better part of the year, and where units must be more completely enclosed, large and light sliding walls of glass are adequate. The simple, comfortable outdoor furniture illustrated at the left is in excellent character with the architecture. Somewhat less than fortunate is the mural painting in the lounge, which mars an otherwise agreeable interior.

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The building occupies a triangular area of less than three acres surrounded by ocean, airport and highway. It was required to place an Olympic pool, 60 by I60-foot bath house, cabana and club building for 500 members and guests, at the same time to provide complete privacy and shelter with maximum of sun and air.

To function at night as well as by day, the cool water is heated by submerged steam pipes. The tower was constructed to act as a beacon for a future yacht harbor.

Wood has been used throughout the interior and exterior, suggesting lightness and fitness to the location by the sea. Pool decks are of gray cement, court and interior floors are of polished black terrazzo tile, other floors are natural oak, waxed.