Project Data:

Completion Date:     1/9/2023

Square Footage:      20000

Building Use:           Single Family Residential

Project Description:

1859 Bel Air Road, a hillside oasis by award-winning architectural firm Tag Front Architects is set above the canyons of Bel Air, Los Angeles with views extending to the ocean and Catalina Island. The 20,000 sq., 3- story, modern residence is located on a steep downslope and contains 9 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, 3-powder rooms, a floating swimming pool, and 5609 sq of outdoor living spaces with a 5-car garage and an interior motor court. The resulting house combines elements of sculpture, architecture, and landscape to create a harmonious and visually striking home that fully embodies the indoor-outdoor lifestyle of Los Angeles. The client, developer Sean Balakhani, wanted to stretch the envelope on design and luxury and create a masterpiece that was one of a kind. Mr. Balakhani wanted to maximize views of the landscape, create a sense of indoor-outdoor living and build a striking facade that ensured privacy from a 350 ft long street exposure. The linear rain-screen facade created a sculptural and visually compelling pattern along the street. This was achieved by a series of flat and folded metal panels that clad the concrete wall at the street. The folded panels created a random sculptural pattern that became denser closer to the main entry, which passively guides guests toward the front door. Above the facade, are an array of curved steel beams that support a continuous skylight, and provide ample natural light to the upper level of the house which includes two secondary suites along with the luxurious primary bedroom. The entry gate features a water element that leads to a large pivoting steel and wood front door. Upon entering the house, visitors are greeted by an open floor plan that connects all levels of the home. A curving suspended grand entry stair descends down to the main, more public level, which includes the living, dining, family, Poliform kitchen/scullery featuring the Phoenix system with elm wood veneer, shaker modular backs, and a bronzo metallic lacquer island, and gallery spaces. The indoor-outdoor dynamic is fully expressed in all the rooms on the main level, where massive sliding glass pocket doors open the kitchen, dining, and living areas to a floating pool and expansive outdoor deck areas with stunning views of the canyon and the ocean. On the upper level, past the curving steel staircase are the bedroom suites and the more private primary suite at the far end of the house. The lower level of the house features the theater, extensive wellness spa area, gym, gallery space, and additional bedroom suites. This level opens up to the large backyard, bar, entertainment area, and direct access to the pool above.

Framework for Design Excellence

The residence is situated on a 1-arce heavy-sloped parcel. Pushing back the street-facing portion of the house not only created the privacy required but increased the visual feel of the street by introducing landscaping. All communal areas and bedrooms are facing outward towards the landscape to create a sense of being part of nature.

Firm Name:              Tag Front

Completion Date:     1/9/2023

Square Footage:      20000

Building Use:           Single Family Residential

Location:                 1859 Bel Air Rd., Los Angeles

Design Architect:
Tag Front Architects

Associate Architect or Firm:

Landscape Architect:
MEGT Architerra

Owner / Developer:
Sean Balakhani

Engineer:
Structural Engineer: Amir Pirbadian
Civil Engineer: Enayat Simhaee
MEP: SF Engineering

General Contractor:
Current Trend Contractors, INC

Consultant:

Photographer:
Nils Timm