The Experimental Ranch House, designed by Cliff May as his
personal residence, is situated in the Sullivan Canyon area of Los Angeles. The
house was completed in 1952 and is thought to be a unique example of the
evolution of Ranch House design.
The focus of the 2360 square foot structure is a great room that
contains the living area and kitchen. The room has a ridge large skylight that
provides a view of the tree canopies above, and floor to ceiling windows at the
North end of the space.The goal of the project was to re-establish
an open floor plan within the living space while preserving the integrity of May’s original beams and
exposed rafters, a focal point of the house. To meet current fire code, the
existing roof was replaced with a metal tile
roof modeled after the wood shake that May originally used. The interior space was finished with custom walnut cabinetry
and terrazzo floors throughout. Solid walnut counter tops, a stainless steel
tile back splash, and custom cabinetry give the kitchen a sleek feel and integrate
it within the living area.