This International-style house is perched high in the hills above Los Feliz, with sweeping views of Downtown Los Angeles to the South and the chaparral hills of Griffith Park to the East. The project began as a modest proposal to resurface a pool deck and re-plaster an existing pool. Seizing an opportunity to visually connect the pool area to the wild landscape of Griffith Park, a dramatic, undulating wood wall was designed to screen a large retaining wall between the house. 

The sculptural form of the wall suggests the folds and striations of the sandstone geology that makes up the strata of the site itself. Planted against the backdrop of the intricate folds and joints is a garden of succulents— including Euphorbias, Sedums and Ocotillo. The succulent garden extends across the pool deck, integrated into the intricately striped paving of stone, cast stone, and concrete pavers. Low-lying sedums and aromatic thyme groundcovers punctuate the paving patterns. Virtually invisible behind retractable panels in the wall is a full-service outdoor kitchen that can be opened up for family barbeques and events.

Adjacent to the private wing of the house and to the master bedroom is an expansive hillside garden of wood decks, boardwalks, and belvederes. Conceived as a private orchard of ancient olive trees, the garden’s most dramatic feature is set within the orchard—a spa with a retractable cover that extends to a two-story outdoor shower and water wall formed of bent steel. Leading to a deck with dramatic views of the LA basin, a “woven” hardwood boardwalk passes through the orchards and through stands of Matilija poppies and graceful Mexican Feather Grass.

Notched into the hillside, this sequence of gardens and patios transforms the property into an exuberant space for living and entertaining, while creating secluded moments to contemplate the natural beauty of the site. 

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Status: Completed 2014

Project Type: Residential

Collaborators: 5 Elements

Photography: Marion Brenner