Sierra Mar Residence

Los Angeles, California

The Sierra Mar Residence sits on an incredibly steep site in the Hollywood Hills. The constraints of the site posed a number of obstacles.  The success of the project hinged on reshaping the allowable building envelope in a very precise way.

As one approaches the house from the street the building appears as a solid object with a single opening which showcases a car floating in the sky.  The entry is signified by an indented wall washed in light that leads the inhabitant to the main entry stair.  As one descends magnificent views of Los Angeles slowly unfold and usher the inhabitant into a large open living, dining and kitchen area.  The south and western facades open on to a large deck and pool.  The design strategy of shaping space in a controlled way continue on all levels and elevations.  As a result, the house reads as a singular abstract sculptural form.

White terrazzo floors run seamlessly from interior to exterior. White, smooth venetian plaster walls and ceilings fill the space with light.  A bleached walnut volume backs up onto the hillside, concealing the kitchen and containing the main stair, which is seemingly carved out of the wood volume.  A large skylight above brings light down through all 3 levels of the house. 

The master suite occupies the entire upper floor with its own private level, enjoying magnificent views to Century City and the Pacific Ocean beyond The basement contains a family room and 2 guest bedrooms.  An exterior terrace leads to a lower exterior deck area surrounded by the lush green landscape of the canyon.