Set within the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains in Los Angeles County, this new home nestles within a lush and exotic landscape. The design draws on Spanish and regional precedents, with Moroccan influences and features a projecting wood Mashrabiya typical of Islamic architecture. Andalusian houses inspired the project’s massing – a variety of scales and forms and a dynamic plan work together to create visual interest, with spaces opening to the outdoors.
While the street façade presents a calm and dignified presence, the spaces beyond have an informal and picturesque quality. Exterior stairs lead to an open-air sleeping porch, while a 1-story guest wing, loggias, and landscape elements create a dynamic setting for outdoor living and entertainment. This lively mix of one- and two-story elements brings scale to the large site, defining smaller gardens and courtyards each with a unique sense of character and place. The home aims to fit seamlessly within its historic neighborhood and achieve the client’s vision for the project – a ‘jewel box’ cloaked in mystery and delight. Through arched portals, pavilions and loggias, walled courtyards, reclaimed terra cotta, Moroccan glazed tile and hand-carved Indian marble, fantasy abounds.
