House in Trees / Anonymous Architects

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Text description provided by the architects. The site is characterized by its remote feeling and mature trees; this despite being surrounded by dense urban development. It is an unusual paradox to have such a natural setting that occurs in the middle of Los Angeles – a city known for its endless sprawl and crawling traffic.

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The goal was to preserve the natural features where practical – even if this meant having a tree grow through the house.  The steep hillside allows the house to cantilever as a design solution to minimize foundations.  This act of cantilevering also preserves as much native yard space as possible for planting. 

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To maintain privacy, the house is located close to the center of the lot to create a buffer between it – and other adjoining conditions such as a public street and other houses. 

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The house is conceived as two separate units under one roof.  The main part of the house is two bedrooms and is designed for a family of four.  The other component – separated by an outdoor breezeway –  is self-contained with one bedroom, a living area, a bathroom, and a kitchen.  This secondary area is used daily as an office and entertainment area, but can easily be closed off from the main space and used by visiting friends or family. 

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