The historic Mulholland Drive winds it way through the peaks
of the Santa Monica Mountains, offering sweeping views of the Los Angeles basin
and San Fernando Valley. This
scenic route, which also plays host to some of Hollywood’s elite, provides a
quiet retreat from the bustling urban center below.
From the street, 7691 Mulholland Drive has an unassuming
presence. A twisting driveway is
the only indication of the 5,800-square-foot structure below. Situated on steep incline, the design
meets the challenges of the terrain and physical constraints of its L-shaped
lot, presenting an optimal solution to a unique set of conditions. Its sunken nature not only guards
against the harsh western sun, but also serves to maximize energy
efficiency. As a result, the house
seems to gently cascade down the hillside, allowing each
level to have an unobstructed panoramic view of the landscape.
The slope of the site informs the organization of the
interior, with a privacy gradient that flows downward through the various
levels and terminates at the guesthouse.
The upper levels hold the main living spaces and encourage interaction
by maintaining a visual connection to each other, with the bedrooms and more
intimate family spaces tucked below.
Access to the outdoors is maximized by utilizing the rooftops as decks.
The home can be accessed in two ways. An attached two-car garage provides a
private entry through the kitchen, while guests approaching the residence from
the street are invited in by the majestic staircase leading up to the front
door. The thirty-six foot descent
is minimized by the expansive unenclosed steps, with the western edge serving
as a platform for seating or display.
The kitchen, dining area, and lounge are located to the
right of the entrance where a staircase lures you down to the aptly named grand
room just one half-level below. This
vantage point offers a truly incredible view of Los Angeles, drawing you out to
the upper deck complete with an infinity pool.
Another set of stairs leads from the grand room to the private
quarters below. Here, the building
peels away to form a small courtyard, allowing sunlight to seep in and
illuminate the hallway. A path of
light guides you from a home theater on one end to a modest family room and two
bedrooms, connected by an exterior deck.
The master suite is separated by another half-level descent and extends
the entire length of the floor plate.
It includes a spacious bathroom and wine room, creating an isolated
ambiance that encourages a state of repose. On the lowest level rests the guesthouse. Secluded from the main house, the guesthouse
features a private entrance, bathroom, and kitchenette.
The design aesthetic represents a departure from the
traditional architectural styles in Los Angeles. While the project seeks to reflect the complexities of a
fast-paced environment, the tone of house is one of simple living.
written by Sabrina
Blackman, Intern, VOID Inc.