Project Data:

Completion Date:     5/1/2024

Square Footage:      14681

Building Use:           Single Family Residential

Project Description:

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 reflect 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 & 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 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.

Design for Integration, Design for Equitable Communities, Design for Ecosystems, Design for Water , Design for Energy, Design for Well-being, Design for Change, Design for Discovery 

Integration: Birds Nest revolves around the user experience in every space of the home. Upon passing through the entry gate, visitors are embraced by a serene native garden. Crossing the bridge towards the entry door, they encounter a tranquil water courtyard with a soothing water wall flowing into the pool below. Inside, guests are greeted with abundant natural light and organic materials. The interior spaces are designed for privacy and wellness. Moving to the backyard, one can swim along the cliff's edge, enjoying breathtaking views of the cityscape below.

Equitable Communities: Probably because we were designing the house next door at the same time, this was a unique consideration for this type of community that we excitedly took on as a challenge. Curb appeal for other homes nearby is hindered by the large gates and hedges for privacy. We took a different approach that honors the client's wish for privacy, but also gave a feeling of openness to the street and neighbors that walk by. The main house is visible from the curb through the portal-framed cacti garden, giving the passerby a fun connection to the design and relief from hidden architecture.

Ecosystems: Nestled in the steep Bird Streets, posed significant challenges for construction. Emphasizing minimal disturbance and integration with the slope was crucial in its design. The terraced massing cascades down the hillside, reducing excavation. The pool's edge follows the natural contours, harmonizing the built environment with the terrain. Native vegetation, requiring minimal water, provides privacy. The design prioritizes views of the surrounding ecosystem and beyond.

Water: Water is prominently featured throughout Birds Nest, visible from nearly every space. We embrace water as a calming element with numerous health benefits. Additionally, strategically incorporating water enhances natural light penetration, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor environments.

Energy: Daylight optimization is integrated within this design to reduce reliance on artificial lighting. Water features strategically placed throughout the home contribute to cooling during warmer months. Floor-to-ceiling sliding panels harness natural breezes from these features for interior ventilation, minimizing the need for air conditioning.

Well-being: The design includes dedicated longevity spaces such as a daylight gym and adjoining wellness areas featuring a sauna, steam room, massage room, and jacuzzi. These amenities are essential for daily self-care, promoting overall well-being and relaxation.

Change: This home offers a dynamic and adaptable environment due to its open floor plan. With expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, it can easily transform to suit various users and purposes throughout the year. The possibilities for customization and versatility are limitless.

Discovery: This site has yielded two types of discoveries. Design innovations emerged during initial sketches as we explored program uses, uncovering concepts like integrating the indoors with outdoor spaces. The other type of discovery arises from the users themselves. The expansive, open spaces facilitate exploration of new possibilities, enhanced by panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles below the pool’s infinity edge.

Completion Date:     5/1/2024

Square Footage:      14681

Building Use:           Single Family Residential

Location:                 Los Angeles, CA

McClean Design

McClean Design

N/A

Labib Funk + Associates

SQLA Inc.

Dugally Oberfeld, Inc.

Marmol Ratzinger - Interior Designer

Manolo Langis