Exterior restoration and adaptive renovation of a mid-century Eagle Rock residence.

In this project, a thoughtful approach was taken to reveal and accentuate the unique elements of the property. All existing hardscape were removed to highlight the curved coping, a distinctive and defining feature of the mid-century pool. The design integrates turf block and grass pavers to seamlessly blend contrasting materials—such as the concrete with the lush lawn—while creating a structured and permeable surface. The subtle pattern of the pavers not only enhances the visual appeal but also delineates various functional areas within the space, ensuring a cohesive and elegant design.

The Polito House is a mid-century residence tucked among the Hollywood Hills. Visible through its iconic white casement ribbon windows, the sun-drenched hillside serves as a significant backdrop to the house.

The initial phase of restoration involved clearing the hillside of invasive pennisetum grasses, revealing an existing, outsider-esque stone path. A green palette was applied to the hillside to ensure a consistent year-round landscape, while the placement of underplanting was guided by a light spectrum study. Overseeding with a native grass mix provided final fill-in and crucial hillside retention.

The poured-in-place concrete staircase takes study and reference from Lautner, as this project was undertaken in conjunction with our Bella Project.

Exterior restoration was designed to highlight rather than conceal the property's inherent features. The project commenced with a series of careful eliminations: over-planted areas at both entries were cleared to reveal the existing coastal live oaks set against stark monolithic concrete forms. Dense redwood canopies were thinned to permit partial sunlight to reach the planters below. The removal of isolated plantings contributed to a more consistent scale and texture throughout the space.

Subtle enhancements were made with the addition of low greenery swaths at the entries and along the ascending hillside structures, creating a natural flow without overwhelming the design. The goal was to harmonize the landscape with Kappe's architectural forms. The tiered water feature, which was restored and retrofitted to improve water efficiency. This approach ensured that the landscape complemented the existing design while promoting sustainability.

Architect: Ray Kappe

Contractor: Lynn Call for ArcCon

Existing eucalyptus, chamaerops, and coastal live oaks were combined with shade plants from California, Australia, and Africa, along with native dune sedge, to create a complementary Rustic Canyon meadow. The residence, designed by Duncan Nichols, involved a collaborative three-year design and construction supervision effort with an incredible team of people

Architect:
Duncan Nichols / Conner Perry

Interiors:
Merrell Williams

First architectural restoration and adaptive renovation of a residence designed by Venice Architect, Charles Ward.

Natural swimming pond and complete cabin renovation, executed in collaboration with an exceptional client and friend. Cattails and lily pads add scale and visual interest to the native juncus and liriope, creating a harmonious blend of plantings around the pond.

The cabin renovation featured reclaimed walnut, harvested from the 55-acre lot and locally milled for use in counters, cabinets, and beams. The additional remnants of this walnut were thoughtfully incorporated to accentuate the beams, infusing the space with warm, natural tones and enhancing its rustic charm.

Design Collaboration: Kyle DeWoody

Contractor: Blue Sky Construction

California native and Australian specimen plantings accompany dining on the rear patio, continuing the Gjelina Group story. Pictured here, Wisteria floribunda 'Alba' is situated along a copper wire, lending a seasonal bloom of fragrance, while thyme and other herbs establish a lower planter edge.

Interiors: Alexander Design
Fabrication: PATCH

The previous storage facility for Eli Broad’s collection was transformed with the installation of carefully selected specimen trees and planters for both the interior and the roof garden. A 120-ton crane was employed to place five mature field-grown olive trees, enhancing the landscape with their stately presence. Reclaimed scaffolding was creatively repurposed to construct roof planters and a CA gold bocce court, adding unique, sustainable elements to the design.

At the entrance, Bucida buceras creates a dramatic focal point, while the same species frames the fourth-floor window, contributing to a cohesive aesthetic. Inside, a ficus lyrata acts as a natural divider, separating the media area from the gym. This project was meticulously guided and executed in collaboration with Alexander Design & Build, resulting in a truly exceptional space.

Interiors: Alexander Design
Fabrication: PATCH
Fabrication: Harrington Garnero

Interiors: Olivia Williams of Merrell - Williams