Sleek Glass and Concrete Razor House Clings to a Cliff Over the Pacific

A futuristic home made of glass, concrete and stainless steel clinging to a cliff by the Pacific Ocean has become an iconic house in the La Jolla, California area. The residence certainly makes the most of its location, but the structure itself is distinctive architecturally, even being compared to the home of Iron Man movie character Tony Stark.

The 11,500-square-foot residence is called the Razor house not because of its sharp lines, but rather for its location on dramatic Razor Point in southern California. This spot makes it all the more valuable, not just for the ocean views, but because it is close to the several famed attractions: the cliff-top Torrey Pines Golf Course, the La Jolla Playhouse and the Del Mar Racetrack. The entire area is known for its rugged coastline and the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, filled with pine trees and sandstone canyons.

California real estate is super expensive and La Jolla is no exception. The Razor House is the most expensive recent home sale in the seaside area at a whopping $20.8 million. And, while the price and latest buyer — singer Alicia Keyes — have garnered the home attention, it’s the architecture and features that truly make it so stunning,

La Jolla’s Iconic Razor House full glass walls

Built in 2007 and designed by renowned architect Wallace E. Cunningham, the cantilevered silhouette is perched over the Pacific Ocean on three-quarters of an acre. It has six bedrooms and six bathrooms, multiple outdoor terraces, a rooftop space ideal for entertaining, and a big garage. The property also includes a detached multilevel, 1,300 square-foot guest house with two bathrooms and two bedrooms, each with a private entrance. The main house wraps around a courtyard that sits next to lawn with a fire pit and beyond that, a truly massive 5,100-cubic-foot infinity-edge swimming pool.

La Jolla’s Iconic Razor House full glass walls

The modern exterior is dominated by floor to ceiling glass and white polished concrete. Steel supports used throughout the home are functional but they also add an architectural detail. The ocean-facing side of the home is rendered in all glass, making it possible to take advantage of the breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and terrain surrounding the property.

La Jolla’s Iconic Razor House full glass walls

Inside, the decor is neutral because the focus will always be out the window, day or night. The furniture in the round living room is low and plump, which is inviting for guests and family alike. Lighting throughout the living space is either recessed into the ceiling or via floor lamps to keep the sightlines clear and the modern design uncluttered. And speaking of lighting, it’s just one of the many functions in the home that are controlled through a state-of-the-art home automation system. Everything — heat and cooling, window shades, and entertainment systems — are managed via an iPad. The house has radiant heat and forced air cooling and features a back-up generator to sustain the home through any power outage.

La Jolla’s Iconic Razor House full glass walls
La Jolla’s Iconic Razor House full glass walls
La Jolla’s Iconic Razor House full glass walls

The two-story great room is the central space, from which a curved floating staircase leads to a lofted lounge. This area is also oriented toward the spectacular view. Sleek and comfortable furniture make the loft a marvelous place to hang out and read or play family games. The house also includes a tiered home theater featuring walls and ceilings that have been acoustically treated, a curved multi-aspect ratio screen and an HD digital projector. There’s also a billiards room and two fully tricked-out modern kitchens.

La Jolla’s Iconic Razor House full glass walls

The four-bedroom main house includes two master suites, one of which is located on the upper level. The suite has wall-to-wall curved glass facing the ocean and a freestanding bathtub. In addition, there are two steam rooms with showers and a fully equipped gym. The other two bedrooms are located in the detached guesthouse. The other bedrooms, even though they are in the main part of the house, still look out over the ocean thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows throughout. This one has a view of the rooftop entertaining space.

La Jolla’s Iconic Razor House full glass walls
La Jolla’s Iconic Razor House full glass walls

The second master suite has stunning views, of course, and has a workspace to the side. The slim desk has a large monitor and a lamp, making it convenient to do work in private when necessary. Just like the rest of the house, the color scheme is neutral and fully oriented toward the Pacific.

La Jolla’s Iconic Razor House full glass walls

Aside from the massive outdoor terraces, the stunning outdoor includes a rooftop spa and an outdoor barbeque. To maximize the footprint of the home and capitalize on the views, the garage was designed as a subterranean feature that can house more than four cars. The garage space also connects with all the floors of the house — all the way to the rooftop — with a glass elevator. This view also provides a clear look at the concrete monoliths that line the back of the terrace area creating a massive design feature.

La Jolla’s Iconic Razor House full glass walls
La Jolla’s Iconic Razor House full glass walls
La Jolla’s Iconic Razor House full glass walls