Elysian Park Residence

A house for a professor of philosophy and an art director for film, COA was confronted by a very large site with a relatively small area for building. Constrained by zoning envelopes and the clients’ desire to refrain from investing a majority of their budget into the earth, the house is deployed on two contrasting levels. The lower level is characterized by a series of cellular bedroom spaces, each private and insular. The upper level is a single, large open space, with varying degrees of transparency on three sides. Clear storefront glazing opens to the distant western views, protected from the harsh afternoon sun by a full-height steel brise-soleil. Translucent polycarbonate panels span the length of the east facade, gathering morning light while providing privacy. An outdoor terrace with fireplace to the north offers a useful place for dining, viewing and repose.