Brentwood Residence

The Brentwood Residence is located on a large picturesque lot in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. Because the lot did not offer any immediate views from the buildable area of the property, the structures that comprise the project were designed to engage each other while focusing attention on the built and natural landscape within. The lot features a large California Oak tree on the rear half of the site which serves as the focal point of the formal procession through the project. To counteract the formal setup of the site plan the spatial organization has been setup to challenge the established axis without eroding it.

To achieve this, pathways have been intentionally designed to dissolve and reappear along the route. The line clearly divides the formal living area of the main house from the informal public spaces but it is counteracted by the complex interlocking geometry and asymmetrical volumes that make up the exterior.

As a homage to the palette of classic Mid-Century design, the house features a material composition of steel troweled plaster, gauged and stacked Pennsylvania Bluestone, and Mangaris wood siding.

The commission was to create a complete interior design scheme for a 10,000 square foot modern main residence as well as a 2,000 square foot guesthouse. In addition to the interiors, Meg Joannides of MLK Studio was hired to design all 10 bathrooms as well as the main kitchen and guesthouse kitchen, in collaboration with Boffi. Much of the furniture was custom designed by MLK Studio and fabricated at the firm’s trusted local Los Angeles workshops. Briefed thoroughly by the client, MLK Studio worked with a neutral palette throughout the house, skillfully mixing textures to create the depth and layers that are apparent in the sophisticated design.

All materials that were specified by MLK Studio were thoughtfully selected to harmonize with the architect’s vision for the building. Walnut hardwood flooring throughout, as well as bluestone counter tops coordinate with the architect’s stacked bluestone walls. The kitchen’s palette of calacatta marble and high gloss cabinetry, as well as the master bathroom’s Turkish limestone walls and flooring underscore the client’s desire for a neutral palette.

MLK Studio became involved in the design development stage, working simultaneously with the architect, Hagy Belzberg of Belzberg Architects.

Lasting approximately 3 years, MLK Studio’s involvement in the Brentwood project also included attendance at weekly site meetings during construction, as well as meetings with all consultants such as the architect, landscape architect, and lighting design firm.