McClean Design- T1
T-1
This home on Tanager is the third we have designed on this tiny but very exclusive street in West Hollywood. A cul-de-sac with spectacular views, it’s a much sought after location. Our project sits on a corner lot which allowed us to separate pedestrian and vehicular entry to the project. Our primary concerns were to achieve a large program and maximize available views of the city below. To achieve this we utilized a single story over basement design. The key to the basement was to find a way to maximize light and create spaces that people would want to inhabit. Our solution was a linear light well separating the street from the house proper. From the street, only the entry gate is visible between two large stone walls. Upon entering the view is revealed through the spectacular glass living space which is reached by means of a bridge over the light well and water feature. The intent of the bridge is to slow the participant down and create a feeling of separation from the street behind. The light well opens completely to an entertainment space and an office area, light is bounced in by means of a white marble waterfall. The water feature fills the light well except for a floating platform ideal for reading or admiring the living green walls at either end. The basement is further enhanced by a sky lit stairwell and bedrooms that daylight to the view beyond. The interiors of the house where co-designed with Minotti and reflect their deep rich color palette creating an inviting series of spaces.
Location: Los Angeles
Project : TypeNew Single Family Residence
Approximate size: 9,500 sf
Completion date: 2014
McClean Design- Sunset Strip
Sunset Strip
The house is approached by means of a gated driveway and guard house. Passing through the gate a landscaped hedge leads to the drive court which is centrally located between the house, garage, and guest house. The garage sits in a spot that enjoys spectacular views of the surrounding canyons so we designed it to be glazed on both sides. All three buildings are connected by a water feature that leads the eye to a pool and spa at both ends. The main house is approached along the water feature by means of a short stair which leads to the front hallway, glazed and open on three sides with room for a significant art piece on the focal wall. The entry leads to a stairwell where a beautiful chrome and stone stair ascends to the upper level bedrooms. Directly ahead is the living room, doors open to the right where the dining room is located overlooking the water feature. To the rear, tall suede door lead to the library/ informal media room where pocketing doors access a private landscaped garden. An interesting feature of this room is that the same film is projected on both sides of the drop down screen allowing people to circle around and watch from both inside and out.
The main living room is two stories tall and enjoys spectacular views of the Los Angeles Basin and the ocean beyond. The room incorporates a bar and glazed wine cellar as well as an elongated see through fire place that is visible from the family room on the other side. The combined kitchen and family room has a more intimate feeling than the living room and appears to float over the water feature. From here it is possible to look back along the water past the garage all the way to the guest house and beyond. This room also enjoys wonderful views of the city below and leads directly to the back yard, covered dining area and expansive elevated terrace below the infinity pool. This terrace is designed for entertaining large groups and incorporates an extended fire feature and comfortable seating. This level of the house is completed by services spaces and an office for the owner.
Below the main level are two large bedroom suites each with their own outdoor area. Across the lower courtyard is the gym and wellness center. Located directly below the garage it incorporates sliding walls of glass to make the most of the mild climate. The upper level of the house contains the master as well as two additional bedrooms. At the top of the stairs there is a gallery space that looks into the living room below and out to the water feature. The master bedroom itself has his and her bathrooms complete with large closet areas. The sliding panels of glass surrounding the bed and sitting area open automatically to the deck which reveals the best view of the house enjoyed by this room. The other two bedrooms are expansive and have their own walk in closets and separate baths.
Across the drive court from the main house a separate and independent guest house contains two bedrooms, living, dining and kitchen and its own services spaces. The palette of materials is designed to be warm and contemporary. We have made extensive use of polished stone and added wood elements for warmth. All kitchens and bathrooms in corporate Italian furniture and fixtures, windows and doors are bronzed aluminum. The house is located in one of Los Angeles most famed neighborhoods, only minutes from Sunset Strip yet still enjoying a piece and serenity made possible by the surrounding nature.