Twin Shotgun Houses are situated on two narrow lots that slope down toward the ocean. The mirrored houses are designed as linear volumes, ‘shotgun’ in shape to make the most of the small lot and to maximize their connection to the ocean. The rear elevation of the houses is composed of terracing decks that project outward from each floor towards the ocean. Each deck is cantilevered over the level below it, providing shade from the southwest exposure and protecting wood and glass walls from the sun. An existing palm tree has been transplanted front and center to become an obelisk, marking the axial alignment of the site with the courtyard building across the street. The front bay window of each house is distinct; each is a playful “seashell mask” sculptural folly imbued with form by light and shadow, providing each house with its own identifying sign which together with the central palm tree, play an active role in the theater of the street and the Ocean Park neighborhood. The composition of the interiors provides a sense of spaciousness despite the narrow dimension of the houses. Bedrooms are sequestered on the ground floor while living spaces and terraced decks above open to natural daylight, ocean views and breezes. Carefully modulated natural light is a primary feature of the interiors with light entering through a variety of apertures. Facing the linear garden courtyard, each house has a three-story wall of translucent laminated glass panels which infuse the stairway with light while ensuring privacy between the two houses.