A spectacular site with a fabled Hollywood history, this project was a unique opportunity to rework a promontory lot to take advantage of the 270-degree views of the entire Los Angeles Basin. Our client wanted to build a large home good for entertaining, especially outdoors, for a large Italian family that would use it as a respite from their life in Canada.
Project Name: Cordell
Studio Name: McClean Design
The topography of the parcel was stepped with an upper and lower pad. The lower pad inspired the original idea for the project: a glass living space, surrounded by water on three sides, reflecting the surrounding cityscape. The change in elevation also meant that the majority of the program would be pushed up against the hill due to height restrictions.
Entering from the street, a gate drive court opens to a garage and a dramatic staircase leading to the front entry. The entry itself is screened by marble slats to provide both privacy and shade. Passing through, the interior opens up to the landscape behind the property with a two-story glass wall; this overlooks a courtyard garden, with a green marble waterfall, surrounded by dense foliage dropping into a basement-level water basin. To the east are the main living spaces; to the west are an office, the main staircase, and a guest bedroom.
The main living and dining space projects out onto the peninsula with the pool feature wrapping on three sides. The pool contains a large hot tub, swimming areas, Baja shelves, and a fire pit seating area, before continuing back and cascading down along the entry steps. The family kitchen and breakfast area are adjacent, opening both to the pool and to the verdant garden behind the house. A family room is tucked into the garden space with a see-through fireplace that can be enjoyed both from the lounge and the garden.
The upper level contains the main bedroom and two additional suites. A large, landscaped roof garden over the living room below can be accessed from the hallway, so that the entire family can enjoy the spectacular view.
The basement contains an additional three bedrooms as well as some unique spaces. A large media room with comfortable couches can work as a slumber space for groups of grandchildren. The main living area opens to the green-walled water basin, with a unique bronze fireplace and marble bar accenting the space. Light from the courtyard is shared with a large gym with an adjacent wellness area. A billiards room with an intimate conversation nook and a window cellar and humidor complete the program for the basement, along with staff spaces and a commercial kitchen.
The house’s palette is comprised of soft natural tones of warm travertine and bleached walnut, with brass and bronze accents. The travertine that clads the house is used in several distinct ways, depending on application. The large scale of the home is balanced by the warm materials and attention to detail, as well as the surrounding tropical landscape, and views from every room.
