Hillcrest I

This hillside home is located in Trousdale, Beverly Hills a neighborhood of single story homes famed for their views and movie stars. Our clients wanted an extensive basement level to provide entertaining spaces due to the limited options above grade. Our challenge was to find a way to get light to these spaces since the design would need to consist of a true basement. We took the concept of a light well and expanded it to create a true water garden located in the middle of the house allowing us to create a dramatic glass bridge entry to the home. The bridge is a unique experience changing the user’s perception as they leave the garden behind and enter the house. The water garden below dapples light throughout the basement making these spaces amongst the most interesting within the house contrasting with the view orientated rooms above. The house is fused with natural light throughout and a warm palette of natural materials creates a very comfortable living environment. Awarded the 2017 American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Outstanding Residential Design Project Type: New Single Family Residence Location: Beverly Hills, CA Approximate size: 10,000 SF Completion date: August 2016 Contractor: Perry Elihu  Interior Designer: Joseph Elihu Engineer: Habib Soleymani Photographer: Jim Bartsch