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Glenhaven Residence: A Gallery-Worthy View in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles by Abramson Architects

Project name:
Glenhaven Residence
Architecture firm:
Abramson Architects
Location:
Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California, United States
Photography:
Jim Bartsch
Principal architect:
David Pascu, David@abramsonarchitects.com
Design team:
Collaborators:
Interior design:
Built area:
Site area:
3000 ft²
Design year:
Completion year:
2014
Civil engineer:
Structural engineer:
Environmental & MEP:
Landscape:
Lighting:
Supervision:
Visualization:
Tools used:
Construction:
Stone Construction Company
Material:
Client:
Private
Status:
Completed
Typology:
Residential › House

Abramson Architects: With a gallery-worthy view of Santa Monica Bay, this Pacific Palisades home showcases the outside world. Bright white interior spaces are punctuated with dark exterior materials, mimicing a framed work of art. The owners are empty-nesters who were ready for a downsized home that defined the more mature pace of their current lifestyle.

No longer in need of massive spaces and countless rooms, the couple bought a classic and relatively small ranch-style house with a glamorous view of Los Angeles. The existing structure was stripped down to the studs so it could be rebuilt with crisp lines and modern figurations.

Leveraging the Floor Plan

From the front entrance to the back patio, the structure acts as a portal establishing views of the striking scenery from every room. Quite literally, one can see the ocean on the other side of the home all the way from the glass front door.

floor plan drawing

The back of the home opens up visually and physically to create an indoor/outdoor environment. Interior space and material extend onto the patio under a cantilevered overhang that shelters an outdoor living area. An open and fluid layout makes the smaller space feel substantial, finished with minimal and cool-toned neutrals.

In addition to the master suite, guest bedroom, living room, kitchen, and dining area, a home office for two is situated at the main entrance.

Balancing Privacy with Views

Intimate spaces, such as the master bathroom, are invited to enjoy the view with an extra-large window that overlooks the patio. Clever details make this functional; the glass becomes opaque when the bathroom lights are on to ensure privacy.

hillside house with Pacific Ocean view in Los Angeles image © Jim Bartsch

Indoor/Outdoor Living

The back of the home opens up both visually and physically to create an indoor/outdoor environment where the owners can enjoy the Southern California weather year-round. Interior space and material extend onto the patio under a cantilevered overhang that shelters an outdoor living area.

On the patio, an infinity pool overlooks the Pacific Ocean below. A low-profile fire pit is paired with shorter succulents to create a safety railing that maintains direct views of the Pacific Ocean. Exterior materials were selected for their desired low maintenance; Trespa, Swiss Pearl, and metal siding wrap the facade and create a refined, simple, modern look.

modern residence with infinity pool

modern black house

infinity pool and outdoor furniture

modern kitchen next to living room

bedroom with open slide window

bathtub with nature view through window

master bedroom with terrace

cozy living room with fireplace

office desk and chairs

infinity pool in a sunny day

Glenhaven Residence: A Gallery-Worthy View in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles by Abramson Architects

modern house with outdoor fire pit

section and elevation drawings

 

Connect with the Abramson Architects


By Naser Nader Ibrahim

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