Mid-City Modern :: P XS Architects

This combined office and home with pool and integrated landscape is comprised of three systems: a long galvanized metal wall folds over to serve as the roof and carport; a series of material samples separated by glass forms the envelope; and an exposed concrete slab on the grade contains radiant heat, plumbing, electrical, and up-lighting. The 104-foot long wedge evolves from a 22-foot wide studio, through a combined kitchen-lounge-gallery, to an 11-foot wide bedroom at the eastern end. With no interior doors, two floating cores for storage and bathrooms provide the only spatial separation, aided by the production of distinct moods though the disposition of materials and the organization of lighting conditions. An 18-foot long ribbon window transforms traffic into a continuously changing cinematic event. A large “letter box” opening in the living area offers deep views of nature across neighboring backyards. Titled the Off-Use House by the architects, this unique space has been featured by Architecture, L.A. Architect, The Los Angeles Times, Metropolitan Home, and Sunset magazine.

950 S. Highland Ave, Los Angeles

for sale - $1,200,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

Presented by Brian Linder and Scott King :: deasy/penner&partners

A Glimpse at the WAF 2014 Shortlist :: Completed Buildings - New and Old

National Design Centre :: SCDA Architects

This week, as we continue our series focusing on the World Architecture Festival's 2014 Shortlist, we look at selections from the New and Old category.

De Rotterdam OMA

Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery :: Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp

Award Winning Modernism :: Marmol Radziner+Associates

Praised as the "modernist savants" by the New York Times, Marmol Radziner proves it again with this AFLA award winning house for architectural design. Completed in 2010 the the house blends the timeless Case Study design while integrating 21st century amenities. Awarded Gold LEED certified, the three bedroom structure is sited on the brow of a private gated street facing the serene greenery of Runyon Canyon and hiking trails while situated within immediate proximity of Hollywood. The entrance, and center floor, pay respect to the indoor-outdoor mid-century California lifestyle, integrating the state of the art kitchen and formal dining room as well. The private open master suite encompasses the top floor embraced by light, breezes and the lush drought resistant greenscape. The lower level offers a second, and possible third bedroom or media room, which lead to the exterior grounds and reverse ionized pool. Registered with the U.S. Green building council the house is constructed mindfully respecting the environment without compromising in design, using non-toxic materials including denim insulation, radiant heat and solar panels. Two car garage flex space with views included.

2020 Wattles Drive, Hollywood Hills

for sale - $2,495,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

My Bookshelves As Art

This week, in honor of back-to-school season, we take a look at some inspiring takes on the classic bookshelf.

Wallace Neff, Architect :: 1922

Wallace Neff designed this American Colonial Revival house in 1922 for Mr. J.K. Baillie, a Director of Lincoln Mortgage Company on this almost flat acre in the Cal-Tech area. A barn from the 1880s is used today as a three car garage with copious storage areas. There is a large pool, six- hole putting green in addition to large front and rear gardens. The current owners purchased the property in 1998 and have completely renovated and restored the property. Features include a large living room with a fireplace, a library with a fireplace, a paneled dining room, butler's pantry, kitchen/family room, laundry room and a bedroom and bath down. Upstairs are 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, the Master Bath having been remodeled in 2012 and finished in blue Azul du Mare marble. The kitchen features a viking Range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, 2 Bosch dishwashers and a Meile Washer and Dryer. There is Central Air throughout and room for expansion.

1485 San Pasqual Street, Pasadena
for sale - $4,800,000
contact us to request a showing :: 626.683.0777

A Glimpse at the WAF 2014 Shortlist :: Completed Buildings - House

Stamp House :: Australia :: Charles Wright Architects

This week, as we continue our series focusing on the World Architecture Festival's 2014 Shortlist, we look at selections from the House category.

Sharifi-ha Houe :: Iran :: NextOffice

Narigua House :: Mexico :: P+0 Architecture

The Art & Design of Burning Man

Key Note :: Michael Christian

The annual Burning Man festival in Nevada's Black Rock desert kicks off this coming Monday. The week-long event, billed as "an experiment in community, art, radical self-expression and radical self-reliance," promises to once again offer up a stunning and eclectic collection of art and installations. Here we take a look back at some of the inspiring creations from Burning Man's past. 

The Man

Coyote :: Bryan Tedrick

Mid-Century Post + Beam :: Edward H. Fickett, FAIA

Sensational and rare opportunity in the highly desirable Colony enclave of Nichols Canyon. 4 bedroom / 3 bath, single level quintessential mid-century post and beam designed by Ed Fickett spans over a serene and incredibly private 8670 square foot flat lot with large swimming pool and spa.

Lively floor-plan offers expansive open living and entertaining areas opening to multiple outdoor living spaces. Post and beams span wide across the common areas, while walls of glass and sliding doors create unity with the lush outdoors.

Large and deep swimming pool gently hugs the rear hillside and takes full advantage of the prized lot with no rear neighbors and incredible privacy all around. Outdoor dining and living spaces, decks and fire pit, and side yard.

Many recent improvements including fully updated kitchen with marble countertops, all bathrooms recently renovated, pool restoration, new landscaping and exterior privacy fencing.

Master suite has large walk-in closet and opens to side courtyard. Updated bath with large spa shower. Secondary bedrooms off the same wing are generous and bright with floor to ceiling windows and walk-in closets.

4th bedroom or ideal den/guest suite is located on the opposite side and and has a full bath and access to the side yard and pool.

3043 Nichols Canyon Road, Nichols Canyon

for sale - $1,685,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

1964 Balboa Highlands Post + Beam :: Joseph Eichler

Balboa Highlands the site of roughly 100 of the most Iconic and sought after homes in Southern California, the only Eichler tract in Los Angeles county. Classic post and beam architectural with U shaped program wrapping around an all glass interior courtyard. Over-sized updated eat-in kitchen with direct garage access. Open living-dining rooms with exceptional original detail and wood burning fireplace is designed to draw the occupants to the back yard’s spectacular canyon and mountain views. Enlarged master bedroom also opens to the back yard and views. Remodeled master bath with designer finishes respects the mid century modern design. Gallery hallway leads to 3 guest bedrooms which share an additional bath and laundry room. The third guest bedroom doubles as a den/office which opens to the all glass interior court yard. Back yard entertainer’s deck is shaded by enormous Pines while looking over the valley and views beyond. Room for pool. 

Rare offering. By appointment only.

17031 Nanette Street, Granada Hills

for sale - $765,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

A Glimpse at the WAF 2014 Shortlist :: Completed Buildings - Small Projects

Strömkajen Ferry Terminals :: Marge Arkitekter :: Sweden

This week, as we continue our series focusing on the World Architecture Festival's 2014 Shortlist, we look at selections from the Small Projects category.

Salvaged Ring :: a21studio :: Vietnam

Sydney Harbour Ferry Wharves Upgrade :: GroupGSA :: Australia

Hello Wood Art Camp

For a fifth consecutive year, 120 young designers and architects were invited to attend the Hello Wood Art Camp in the fields of Csórompuszta, Hungary. Each year participants were given a specific theme and one week to create wooden installations based upon that theme. This year's theme: balance. Here we take a look at some of the results.

1923 Spanish View Home

Coveted Spanish style home built in 1923 sited on the brow of Amalfi Drive overlooking the Santa Monica canyon and the Pacific beyond. The main level offers the formal spaces including the living room, dining room, open kitchen and guest suite which all lend access to the decks or gardens surrounded by views. The lower floor is dedicated to the luxurious master suite including a sitting area and office. The house also offers a separate guest suite.

This rare Spanish Style house sits in arguably one of the best sites in the canyon with ocean views.

383 Amalfi Drive, Santa Monica

for sale - $2,450,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

A Glimpse at the WAF 2014 Shortlist :: Completed Buildings - Higher Education And Research

Departments of Law and Central Administration :: Vienna University of Economics and Business

This week, as we continue our series focusing on the World Architecture Festival's 2014 Shortlist, we look at selections from the Higher Education And Research category. 

Library and Learning Centre :: University of Economics

Aula Medica :: Wingårdh Arkitektkontor

Venice Canal Contemporary :: Vaughan Trammell Architect, AIA

The contemporary 3-story, steel & glass structure perfectly melds refined living spaces with outdoor flow, affording ocean breezes and classic footbridge views, sited on a prime corner lot of the Venice Canals. Upon entry, a double height angulating wall of glass floods the living area with natural light. The first level open floor plan includes custom kitchen with eat-at-bar, powder room, dining and living areas anchored by the modern hearth with radiant maple hardwood floors throughout. Fleetwood sliders retract, opening to the tranquil canal-side front-yard, perfect for outdoor entertaining or relaxation, complete with custom built in Argentinian grill. A curved stairway leads to large media room, two guest bedrooms, full bathroom and laundry. Top floor full master suite, includes private office or Yoga room, walk-in closet, master bath and two outdoor patios. A 40' private salt water lap pool parallels the master level with views across the entire venice canal neighborhood. A special offering for your most discerning clients.

2355 Eastern Canal Court, Venice

for sale - $3,425,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000

My Optical Illusion as Art

This week we take a look at some interior designs that utilize anamorphosis - a distorted image that appears in its true shape when viewed from a specific vantage point, often creating an optical illusion.

Mid-Century Modern Oasis by Paul Wuesthoff, Architect

"One of a kind" home located on the Riviera Golf Course--"the rim". The grounds and home offer total privacy. As you walk through the entry gate, there is an amazing waterfall which flows through koi-filled streams and into ponds on the upper and lower level of the property. The 3-level redwood and glass home was designed by well-known architect Paul Wuesthoff in 1964. There are approximately 19 Redwoods, Canary Island pines, Fir trees and, of course, the golf course (5th hole). There is an ocean view from one of the decks. The pool/hot tub area includes a cabana/pool house and bar-b-q area. The greenhouses have fans and heaters. The home has three wood burning fireplaces, beautiful herringbone wood floors, the kitchen family room has been remodeled and includes top-of-the-line appliances. Almost every room opens to a private deck or patio. There is a 50-case wine cellar on the lower level plus a custom bonus room with 1/2 bath. 

900 Napoli Drive, Pacific Palisades

for sale - $11,900,000
contact us to request a showing :: 310.275.1000