This 3,400 square foot single family residence sits on a small corner lot in the Sand Section of north Manhattan Beach.  Its four levels are organized with the primary living spaces (kitchen, dining, living) on the top floor, the garage and the bedrooms on the middle levels, and a dramatic, two story family room at the basement level.  The top floor has sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay through large, pocketing sliding doors, which when open make the entire floor an indoor/outdoor room.  The family room at the lowest level, is open to the entry and front patio, making what would have been an out of the way room a fun, focal and architecturally striking space.  The material palette for the house consists of a concrete and stucco base, accented by a wall of deep charcoal ribbon tile that was intentionally chosen to contrast with the floating cedar roof of the top floor.  A warming effect is achieved through the use of open-grain oak flooring and rift walnut doors.