Ilove the various Mediterranean revival style houses that were so prominent in Los Angeles during the 1920’s and 1930’s — indeed, they are suited to our climate. My former business partner and I recently built this house from the ground up in the Melrose District, and it takes its design cues from the neighborhood, albeit on a larger scale. I believe that one can build a house that relates to its neighbors, but one that is also contemporary and replete with the space a family needs in the 21st Century.
Built on the site of an unremarkable 1920’s triplex, we tore it down and started fresh. The property was unusual in that there were massive ficus trees along the back property line offering unusual privacy, as well as numerous mature palm trees in the front yard. We kept these features, and designed an unusual driveway approach to maintain these existing landscape features. This cost us a bit more, but surely makes the house special.
The floorplan for the house was inspired by the interior courtyard. The lots in the “flats” are often narrow and deep. We wanted every room to feel connected to the outdoors, so we implemented a “U” shaped plan, and made sure every room has access to a terrace or balcony. The flats are very convenient, but a perceived “downside” versus the “hills” is the lack of views. We solved this problem by including a roof deck. I think this may be the only roof deck I have yet seen nestled into a traditional Spanish tile roof.
You will notice from the photos how important color is when creating a home, all white rooms generally equals boring.
Overall, we think the house turned out very well. And so did our buyer.
David Lubell is a Licensed California Real Estate Agent (BRE# 01928231) with Keller Williams. Learn more about David by reading his bio. Reach out to him via email or call him directly at 424-248-5329.
