SKYLINE

High in the Hollywood Hills famed Bird Streets, this lot has to have one of the most commanding views available of the Los Angeles basin. We had the opportunity to design this house at the same time as the neighboring home on the adjacent lot although for two separate clients which helped us to differentiate the two projects. The orientation of both lots suggested a similar approach although different programmatic requirements would take each home in a different design direction. The priority here was to maximize available views from as many spaces as possible while adding light to the lower level spaces and creating privacy from the street.

Local building codes allowed us to project out over the existing slope which was critical to moving the house away from the street. This strategy allowed for the creation of a garden space separating the house from the street. Upon passing through a glass entry wall the pathway through the garden leads to an entry bridge that traverses a light court, the primary means for lighting the lower level spaces below. The courtyard is filled with water to better refract the light into the surrounding spaces. A water wall provides movement and sound to activate the space. The staircase is the primary feature of the courtyard. Wrapped in glass it offers views into the surrounding spaces as you descend. A sunken fire pit completes the courtyard and provides an alternate exterior space for entertaining.

The bridge acts as an entry and leads directly into the formal living room which opens to the terrace and view beyond. The ground level consists of the main bedroom suite to the west of the living room with the dining and kitchen/ breakfast area occupying the east of the lot facing the view. A full-service kitchen and two guest bedrooms are located behind the formal kitchen area. The terrace is wrapped to the south and east by the pool with the main bedroom to the west projecting out to focus on the downtown LA view.

The lower level is focused around the water courtyard while also taking advantage of city views available below the pool. The gym and wellness area are located to the north under the entry garden from where it is possible to see the city below by looking through the entertaining spaces A guest house with external access from behind the water wall is also located under the garden.

The main entertainment spaces for the house occupy the space between the water courtyard and the view to the city. Within the space are sitting areas as well as a bar and a wine cellar. Entry to the lower level garage as well as a media room are located on either side with an office area and guest room to the south taking advantage of the views from the covered terrace.

A palette of warm travertine and oak create a quiet back drop for day to day living while allowing the spectacular views of the city beyond.