The cinematic atmosphere of Los Angeles, perched atop the hills of Beverly Hills, serves as the backdrop for Casa North Doherty, a project by Matheus Farah Manoel Maia Arquitetura. The steep slope of the corner lot challenged the studio to conceive a terraced implementation. On one hand, minimizing major earthworks was desirable; on the other, it was crucial to highlight the horizon and give prominence to the views from the social areas. The solution drew on contemporary Brazilian architecture to reinterpret the mid-century modern style characteristic of the neighborhood.
The program was arranged across multiple levels, connected by a spiraling pathway that runs from the highest floor to the basement. The challenge of organizing diverse functions while optimizing vertical circulation demanded technical expertise and a constant focus on aesthetic unity, achieved through well-crafted and elegant solutions. The façade reflects this process, exploring contrasts between opaque and transparent planes through a combination of concrete, glass, and ebonized wood using the Shou-Sugi-Ban technique. The finishing touch is the exposed structure of metal and concrete, complementing the aesthetic proposal while adapting the design to the seismic activity of the region. Beyond ensuring durability against weather and instability, the timeless design establishes a deeper connection between Casa North Doherty, the landscape, and the surrounding neighborhood.
The project also meets California's programmatic, legal, and environmental demands, showcasing the studio's mastery of both technical and aesthetic considerations. The use of sustainable prefabricated components enabled a "dry" construction site, reducing waste and complying with the state's Title 24 standards. This regulation not only mandates lower energy consumption in building construction and operation but also outlines sustainability criteria for various materials, such as the specified frames and glass used in the residence.
In terms of layout, the main access is on the first floor, which houses the garage, spa, gym, private cinema, and wine cellar. The upper floor emphasizes social spaces, with a breathtaking view revealed through a sliding glass panel. This level accommodates the living room, dining room, and kitchen, while the outdoor area includes a terrace and pool. When the glass panel is fully opened, California's pleasant climate invites seamless integration between indoor and outdoor spaces. A more secluded area on this floor also houses service facilities to support the other functions.
The third floor is dedicated to the private quarters of the residence, including a master suite with a walk-in closet and three secondary bedrooms. The top floor features a versatile office space with independent access. The design sought to translate the comfortable and welcoming atmosphere of the surroundings into the daily life of Casa North Doherty through the use of warm, light tones in the interiors and furnishings, favoring natural materials like wood and textiles.
Located on the iconic North Doherty Drive, with privileged views of the city, the project caters to young residents, prioritizing social living while maintaining comfort, tranquility, and privacy in the more intimate areas. This delicate balance of sobriety and lightness is perfectly suited to one of the most sought-after settings in the United States.