Paul Zajfen’s modern dream house in Laguna Beach

The rear of the house, facing the ocean: guest bedrooms on the lowest floor, the detached living room above, a recessed master suite largely hidden from view and, at the top, a small workout room with killer views.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

As seen from the kitchen, architect Paul Zafjen and wife Susan lounge on the deck. The space feels at once open and private, thanks to the layout of rooms.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Zafjen works in the living room, where wide-open sliding glass provides yet more ocean panoramas.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Because the living room is book-ended in glass, it has a sense of transparency -- allowing the Zafjens to be in the main part of the house and still capture ocean views through the glass.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

From the dining area, the house opens to a deck with hot tub and, out of frame to the left, an outdoor fireplace. The living room in the distance is a bit of transparent living space -- more of a frame for the view rather than an obstruction of it.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The view from the hot tub.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Pausing with cappuccino in the kitchen. The armchairs in foreground are Cassina designs by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A hallway and living room are topped with a green roof planted with succulents.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Exterior shades can roll down, blocking light and heat before they pass through the sliding glass.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The master bathroom has a conventional ceiling-mounted rain shower as well as a second rain shower set over a chaise.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

One guest room as seen from the bathroom, where a wall of glass allows bathers to soak in the view.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The couple reflected in the glass of their living room fireplace, the shimmer of the ocean in the distance.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)