Tucked behind an imposing Ficus Nitida in a densely developed Hollywood neighborhood, the Hedge House exploits the privacy afforded by this unique and mature landscape element. The 30 yr-old hedge played a significant role in the decision to purchase the property and also presented an opportunity to reconsider conventionally visible areas (front & side yards) as private garden spaces.

The design of the house is organized around two architectural gestures: an interior lightwell that draws daylight deep into the middle of the house and broad contiguous living spaces that directly connect to the garden. The material language of the house differentiates communal spaces from private rooms: Stucco and cedar are primary and delineate the smaller private spaces of the home. At the back of the house, board-form concrete piers “lift” the stucco volume to produce a porous connection between the open living spaces, the garden and pool.

The interior spaces of the house are designed around a two-story offset lightwell. At the second floor, a sunken courtyard links the spaces of the master bedroom and daylight is redirected through this space, drawing daylight into the center of the house. The Ficus hedge establishes a constant reference from within the house. At the ground level, this green wall brackets the space of the gardens and provides an uninterrupted backdrop. From the upper level, the hedge is topped out at the height of the window sills, allowing longer views beyond the property.

Material Used :

1. La Habra Stucco (exterior)
2. Western Red Cedar (exterior)
3. B&B Windows (wood)
4. Ferrum Steel (steel pivot doors)
5. Corian Solid Surface (countertops)
6. Ecosmart (fireplace)
7. Ann Sacks, Cle Tile, Heath Tile (bathrooms)
8. Fuse Flooring (wood floors)