‘nakahouse’ by XTEN architecture located in hollywood hills, california image © steve king

based in california and switzerland, XTEN architecture has completed ‘nakahouse’, a single family residence located in hollywood hills, california, USA. sited along the steep slopes below the hollywood sign, the dwelling is a contemporary update to an established home from the 1960’s. geotechnical, zoning and budget limitations mandated the reuse of the existing footprint and foundations as a basis for the home’s new design. the interior arrangement was reconfigured and a series of outdoor terraces were projected from all angles to maximize views of the surrounding landscape.

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 2 stairs and terrace leading down to the living area image © steve king

floor to ceiling glass windows and sliding doors blur the boundary between the indoor and outdoor areas extending the living spaces to the terraces. exterior stairs lead to a roof deck with unobstructed views of the beechwood canyon, griffith park observatory and natural ravines. the smooth black plaster facade intentionally creates a stark contrast with the white washed surfaces inside the home. lacquered cabinetry, epoxy resin floors and painted metal produce a monochromatic and uniform interior which blends the separate rooms into one continuous space.

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 3 living area image © steve king

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 4 floor to ceiling boundary between indoors and outdoors image © steve king

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 5 kitchen with views of surrounding hills image © steve king

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 6 open floor plan arrangement image © steve king

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 7 dining area image © steve king

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 8 bathroom image © steve king

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 9 terrace image © steve king

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 10 terrace extending from kitchen image © steve king

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 11 stairs leading to roof deck image © steve king

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 12 at night image © steve king

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 13 floor plan / level 0 image © XTEN architecture

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 14 roof plan image © XTEN architecture

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 15 section image © XTEN architecture

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 16 section image © XTEN architecture

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 17 section image © XTEN architecture

XTEN architecture: nakahouse - 18 sketch image © XTEN architecture