Nakahouse, Hollywood Hills Property, Luxury California Real Estate, New LA Home

Nakahouse, CA : Hollywood Hills Residence

Contemporary House in California, USA – design by XTEN Architecture

Oct 12, 2012

Nakahouse, Hollywood Hills

Design: XTEN Architecture

Location: Hollywood Hills, California, USA

Hollywood Hills Home

Nakahouse is an abstract remodel of a 1960’s hillside home located on a West facing ridge in the Hollywood Hills, just below the Hollywood sign. To the South and West are views of the Beechwood Canyon; to the East is a protected natural ravine, with a view of Griffith Park Observatory in the distance.

photo : Steve King

The existing home was built as a series of interconnected terraced spaces on the downslope property. Due to geotechnical, zoning and budget constraints the foundations and building footprint were maintained in the current design. The interior was completely reconfigured however, and the exterior was opened up to the hillside views and the natural beauty of the surroundings. A large terrace was added to link the kitchen/ dining area with the living room, with a steel stair leading to a rooftop sundeck. Terraces were also added to the bedroom wing and the upper master bedroom suite to extend the interior spaces through floor to ceiling glass sliding panels that disappear into adjacent walls when open.

photos : Steve King

The exterior walls are finished in a smooth black Meoded ventetian plaster system, designed to render the building as a singular sculptural object set within the lush natural setting. A series of abstract indoor-outdoor spaces with framed views to nature are rendered in white surfaces of various materials and finishes; lacquered cabinetry, epoxy resin floors and decks and painted metal.

photos : Steve King

The contrast between the interior and exterior of the house is intentional and total. While the exterior is perceived as a specific finite and irregular object in the landscape the opposite occurs inside the building. Once inside the multitude of white surfaces blend the rooms together, extending ones sense of space and creating a heightened, abstract atmosphere from which to experience the varied forms of the hillside landscape.

photos : Steve King

Hollywood Hills House – Building Information

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Complete Date: Mar 2011
Building Area: 2,700 square feet
Architect: XTEN Architecture, 10315 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, USA Consultants
General Contractor: NWGC, INC. 171 Pier Ave., #117, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Structural Engineer: Axial Engineering Group, INC. 7147 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406
Photographs: Steve King, 2927 Gilroy St., Los Angeles, CA 90039
Geotech: CY Geotech, 21430 Strathern St., Unit O, Canoga Park, CA 91304
Design Team: Principals: Monika Haefelfinger and Austin Kelly, AIA, LEED AP
Project Team: Monika Haefelfinger, Austin Kelly, Scott Utterstrom, Jae Rodriguez, Qichen Cao, Karin Nelson, Joseph Tran, Karin Von Wyl

image : XTEN Architecture