Rustic Canyon Residence

Los Angeles, CA

This 3,300 square foot residence inverts the conventional means of organizing a single family home by taking an existing, highly compartmentalized ranch dwelling and converting it into a contemporary space for living that is composed of expansive open spaces with a welcoming, informal atmosphere. Above these spaces, an existing pitched roof is cut laterally and folded up in order to connect the interior with the landscape. This blurring internalizes a hillside garden where an existing, 300 year old Sycamore tree becomes the new centerpiece of the expanded house. While the public areas are open to one another, contrast is provided by an intimate library, anchored by a fireplace that floats in glass with the hillside and ancient tree as a backdrop.