Photo © Paul Kozal
The Beginning
The chapel was a gift to The Sea Ranch from residents Robert and Betty Buffum, and dedicated to the memory of aviator, zoologist, and artist Kirk Ditzler who believed art is the intermediary between the physical and the spiritual. It was built as a labor of love and collaboration among artisans, contractors, and community members.
Designed by James Hubbell, the chapel embodies an organic aesthetic that reflects the natural beauty of its surroundings. Completed after nine months of dedicated craftsmanship, the chapel’s construction brought together a talented team led by Thamby Kumaran, a local contractor known for his handcrafted structures.
The chapel’s curvilinear forms, handcrafted details, and natural elements come together in this striking architectural design to create an otherworldly atmosphere. The exterior resembles a seashell, anchored to the earth by natural stone and adorned with a distinctive copper spire crafted by local blacksmith Fritz Hagist. The chapel was built without formal construction plans; instead, a model served as the basis for this one-of-a-kind creation.
Inside the chapel, you are greeted by a serene space filled with jewel-toned light, natural textures, and a sense of tranquility. The interior was meticulously crafted by Bruce Johnson, whose redwood seats, carved posts, and flowing wall shelves appear to grow organically from the chapel’s foundation.
The sculpted plaster ceiling of the interior features a delicate flower form with embedded seashells and sea urchins gathered from nearby beaches, adding to the natural charm.
Stained glass windows, gifted by the Ditzler family, bathe the chapel’s stone floor in colorful light, creating an intimate and ever-changing atmosphere. Fritz Hagist designed the intricate stainless steel fittings that hold these windows in place, seamlessly merging form with function. Each element of the chapel’s interior reflects careful attention to detail and respect for nature’s beauty.