Los Angeles, California

Perched above the city, the site demanded an architecture that boldly captures, frames, and re-frames its iconic skyline and surrounding hills. From the outset, we asked ourselves: What possibilities does this unique site suggest? How can architecture heighten the experience of this place in the most exhilarating way?

Our exploration led us to conceptualize a dynamic ceiling plane that shapes spatial proportions while emphasizing the site’s ever-shifting vistas.

Tapered, angled supports further enhance this effect, creating a variable aperture that continuously redefines the relationship between viewer and view as one moves through the house. The experience evokes peering out from beneath a forest canopy—immersive, ever-changing, and quietly inspiring.

This 1960s house was originally designed and lived in by Arthur Keyes a founding principal in the Architecture firm of Keyes Condon Florance, a prominent Architecture firm operating in Washington DC in the 50s, 60s and 70s.

The 2nd floor of the house holds the living spaces, over the years this living floor had seen many alterations and additions, the plan had become a series of small rooms, and the openings to the views small making for a dark space. Our client purchased the property after a neighboring fire had damaged large parts of the house. The living area was reconfigured for a more modern lifestyle, offering open, flowing spaces – a perimeter glass wall that takes full advantage of the views.

The team embraced the original mid-century vibe of the house, preserving its charm while enhancing its functionality for todays use.

Photography by Sarah Pitterle Maldonado