The meticulous renovation and restoration of this pedigreed mid-century modern home—once owned by Bing Crosby’s manager—strengthened the connections between the house and its hillside site above the San Fernando Valley. Both performed by Woods + Dangaran, interior and architectural design of this home were closely coordinated. Through simple adjustments and alignments, the architectural elements of the house were shifted to accentuate wrap-around views of the San Gabriel and Santa Susana mountains. The design elements support the client’s entertainment-oriented lifestyle, pay homage to the mid-century style of the home, and provide modern comfort and livability.
The renovations maintain the building’s original footprint and retain the original entrance, which traverses a beautiful courtyard flanked by native plants and trees. Minor exterior alterations include a slight reconfiguring of the roofline of the house to smooth out awkward elevation changes, creating a low, continuous profile for the roof and ceilings. Enlarged doorways and windows inside the house, including floor-to-ceiling glass doors, integrate the interior spaces with the landscape and foreground views by eliminating barriers. Glazed openings inserted along corridors create memorable spatial experiences from new axes and vantage points.
With careful consideration to the floor plan and materiality, public areas were transformed into highly activated social spaces, where natural material and warm tones exude an effortless luxury.
The living areas extend onto a large entertainment deck, furthering the seamless integration of the indoor and outdoor living spaces. The backyard pool was relocated to the edge of the property and cantilevered over the hill, widening the view from the primary bedroom.
The architectural finish palette was intentionally limited to four materials: clear anodized aluminum, plaster, travertine, and teak for the wall paneling. This visual restraint manifests in a serene ambiance that permeates all aspects of the residence.