Reaching New Heights

Author:Lindsey Shook

KAA Design erects a modern marvel atop the Santa Monica Mountains

Sitting high atop the southern flank of the Santa Monica Mountains is a compound comprised of a trio of buildings that overlook both the city and Pacific Ocean. “The property’s three buildings include the main house, an office pavilion, and guesthouse that are arranged like a necklace against the hillside and around an enclosed entry court,” says Grant Kirkpatrick of KAA Design, lead architects on this expansive project.

Working seamlessly in partnership with Tim Clarke Interior Design, the teams came together to develop the 8,000 square foot project for two entertainment industry executives. Both work from home and desired spaces that would ignite their creativity while providing separation from the main living areas. “The client was interested in a home working environment that was firmly grounded (as opposed to being on an upper floor), and connected to the surrounding gardens, pool, and city view beyond,” notes partner Duan Tran of KAA Design. “It was important for her that this light filled indoor/outdoor space be both comfortable and casual in support of her creative process as a writer.”

The living room, dining room and kitchen were forged together creating one big great room that was fully connected to the exterior complex that includes a pool and lush landscape designed by Jerry Williams also of KAA Design. While the overall architecture is modern, the client wanted a warm interior that embraced the immense natural light pouring in from the floor to ceiling windows and doors. “We, along with Tim Clarke Interiors, developed a neutral architectural palette consisting of stained wood, stone and plaster, set against a complimentary fabric interiors color palette of teal, purple and pink,” says Kirkpatrick.

The master bedroom suite offers full panoramic views of L.A., flanked by tableaus of Downtown and the Pacific Ocean and is equipped with a very unique covered ‘sleeping porch’ that takes full advantage of the California lifestyle. Like the bedroom, the bathroom suite includes a sunset terrace with a hot tub and rooftop succulent garden that delivers on the couples’ desire for a keeping sustainability top of mind. “Significant research and planning was required to seamlessly integrate the latest in green materials and technologies while keeping design paramount,” Tran notes. “Tower Grove extensively employs FSC-certified wood, photovoltaic and solar water-heating systems, a Greywater recycling system, low-energy glazing, recycled materials, and native planting.”

Kirkpatrick says of the finished result, “The teams’ unified vision resulted in a unique and inviting residential experience where contemporary volumes clad in warm materials nestle into the landscape, a neutral color palette is punctuated by pops of bright color, and graciously proportioned spaces open to expansive vistas.”