Perugia Way is situated within a quiet cul-de-sac in Hollywood Hills, an affluent Los Angeles neighbourhood in the foothills of the Santa Monica mountains. Following a legacy of important buildings within the area, this contemporary residence reinterprets the Californian hillside vernacular. The architecture follows the natural topography of the site to provide an elegant yet neutral insertion to the LA landscape. Wrapped in stone, stucco and glass, the residence is afforded exclusive panoramic views of the city.
What was the brief?
The design brief called for a contemporary villa to be designed and built to European standards of style, detail and quality. The speculative development required the highest possible level of finish within a modest commercial budget.
One of the main challenges of the brief was the sloping site, positioned at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. A key idea was to push the position of the home to the edge of the hill to minimise expensive civil engineering and to provide the maximum efficient building footprint using the found condition of the existing site. Positioned to benefit from the rolling vistas, the residence is ensured privacy from the street with living spaces oriented towards the exclusive views of the neighbourhood.
Encompassing 15,000 sq.ft. the project involved the creation of generous private space whilst conveying a cohesive architectural language. The act of opening up the home with proportion and light was central to the design, with simple and elegant materials used to retain a sense of calm simplicity. Floor to ceiling heights were maximised to provide as much daylight as possible to the internal living spaces.
Landscaping also played an important role in the design to naturally integrate the residence with the surrounding wildlife. The north east facing facade contains an infinity pool, whilst the south west facade overlooks a 5,000 sq.ft. newly created private garden. A series of planted spaces around the residence were also introduced to soften the look of the overall site.
How is the project unique?
This house takes it cue from famed houses such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House, with strong horizontal lines, interlocking blocks and wraparound patios used to great affect. The nod to experimental modernist design is also reflected in the porous nature of the layout, which aims to capture the seamless transition between interior and exterior space.
In order to preserve a sense of local character, the house is clad in an elegant yet robust palette of materials; dark granite for the lower level and Romano travertine and stucco for the upper level. The interior and exterior spaces are connected by a natural palette of white washed oak floors and acid washed limestone terrace pavers.
The internal spaces feel light, connecting the various functions of the house for contemporary living. Full height pocketing sliding doors and minimal standalone walls offer a direct connection to outdoor terraces. The ground levels contains open areas for entertaining, while the upper level encompasses several bedrooms including a spacious master suite with dressing area.
The outdoor living areas are defined by a simple combination of aluminium, limestone and water to gently animate the space and create a peaceful atmosphere. A simple but striking painted steel balustrade frames the outdoor terrace and is reflected in a 65 ft long infinity pool, one of the home’s most prominent features.
Quinn Architects have sought to design a contemporary villa that is neither pastiche nor overbearing, but which makes an elegant addition to the rich and unique Californian landscape. It’s strength lies in its modest and simple architectural language. Embedded into this lush environment, the house sits gracefully and rationally.