Nestled in the quaint neighborhood of Larchmont Village in Los Angeles, California, the Ridgewood Residence boldly establishes itself as a stamp of a new generation of California modernism. Amidst a series of early 20th-century craftsman homes, the project stands out as a unique structure while also echoing the craftsman ideals in its strong sense of detail and workmanship.
The Ridgewood House takes full advantage of the Southern California climate by attempting to blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor. Large walls of glass slide past solid walls to allow the interior spaces of the home to seamlessly transition to the outside world.
The residence sits on a corner lot in a typical tract development where the lots measure 50’ x 150’. Because of its corner location, an adjacent house on its western border reduces the Ridgewood residence lot depth to a substandard dimension of 50’x 90’. Maximizing the available area on the site was a primary design challenge. The client requested a variance to reduce the garage setback along Elmwood Ave., creating a more usable back yard that spans the entire width of the property.
An expansive wood rooftop deck built over a semi-subterranean garage, spills into the yard, setting up a dynamic relationship between the house and its landscape.
The eclectic material palette includes sustainably harvested cedar, smooth plaster, medium density overlay panels on the garage and ipe decking. These materials articulate discreet forms while creating a holistic and balanced overall composition.