The developer wanted to maximize the square footage on this speculative house, but Los Angeles’ hillside regulation forbid additional height and additional site work was cost prohibitive. Hemmed in on all sides, an innovative solution was needed to expand the structure. To add to new floor area without new site work, we made the best use the existing sloped site and extended the building over the existing swimming pool. In doing so we minimized the cost and environmental impact of extensive site work.We also worked around existing vegetation at the steep hillside and near existing retaining walls to reduce the impact of grading and drainage. A path was created through this vegetation and became one of the most private and scenic experiences in the project.