belzberg architects builds tree top residence in los angeles
the long and narrow plan of the house mimics and inverts the angles of the surrounding topography, emerging above the canopy of trees that surround it.
belzberg architects has constructed a three-story dwelling along a natural ridgeline in los angeles. designed to celebrate the site’s specific landscape, the long and narrow plan of the house mimics and inverts the angles of the surrounding topography, emerging above the canopy of trees that surround it. the secluded structure is hidden from the street, yet remains open to its site, offering views over the terrain below.
all images © bruce damonte, unless otherwise stated
to the north, belzberg architects used canted limestone louvers and dense planting to shield the interior from adjacent properties. meanwhile, the remainder of the building remains open with the densely wooded valley below creating a natural screen. internally, a helical stair functions as both the primary circulation route, and as a sculptural gesture at the entrance to the house. at ground level, the staircase acts as a threshold into the open plan, while on the floor above, it separates the master suite and children’s quarter.
the house offers views out over the landscape
the building culminates in the master bedroom at the uppermost level, which features full-height sliding doors at its cantilevered corner. throughout the scheme, walls are used sparingly in favor of fluidly connected spaces. movement and views between dining areas, kitchen, play and gathering spaces are uninterrupted, while floor-to-ceiling glass doors blend interior with exterior.
image © art gray
a helical stair functions as both the primary circulation route, and as a sculptural gesture
the staircase acts as a threshold into the open plan living space
the sculptural feature also provides a light well to the basement
the building culminates in the master bedroom at the uppermost level
walls are used sparingly in favor of fluidly connected spaces
floor-to-ceiling glass doors blend interior with exterior
planting helps shield the interior from adjacent properties
site plan
section
project info:
name: tree top residence
location: los angeles, USA
completion date: 2015
area: 13,900 sqf (1,291 sqm)
budget: confidential
project team: belzberg architects — hagy belzberg (partner-in-charge), david cheung (project manager), daniel rentsch, jennifer wu, chris sanford, barry gartin, susan nwankpa, brock desmit, chris arntzen, glenn ginter, andrew kim, ashley coon
interior designer: curated, inc.
landscape architect: pamela burton & company landscape architecture
structural engineer: thornton tomasetti
MEP engineer: south coast engineering
civil engineer: fuscoe engineering, inc.
soils engineer: grover hollingsworth & associates, inc.
specifications: interspec
general contractor: winters schram associates
surveyor: northlake surveying
expeditor: kimberlina whettam & associates
project management: planning partners limited
special fabrication: spectrum oak (stairs), funtime cabinet factory (millwork), fusion flooring (kitchen stair and wood flooring)
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