Wooden Wonder

Author:Lindsey Shook

Rob Diaz of Diaz + Alexander Studio develops a dream, wood-clad home in Los Feliz

“I began my love for architecture back in high school drafting and taking architecture classes. I have always loved buildings, shapes, textures and the landscape they sit on,” says L.A. architect Rob Diaz, partner at Diaz + Alexander Studio. “My love of architecture and design has grown over the years and I’m adapting, evolving, and learning so much from each project I complete.”

His passion for architecture is evident when touring this new construction, four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom home that Diaz flipped to sell in Los Feliz that is clad entirely in Alaskan white cedar. “I am technically the client and owner, so the home was a ground-up construction using my own personal style and aesthetic,” he notes. “The goal was to create a warm and refined home for a sophisticated buyer.”

The 3,100-square-foot home that presented a beautiful marriage between Scandinavian hygge style and California modernism ended up selling for $500,000 over asking price. The flawless application of natural materials throughout and neutral and earthy palette transformed the property. Inside the expansive kitchen Corchia marble countertops, Wolf and Thermador appliances, Watermark plumbing fixtures, custom oak cabinetry and pocket doors leading out to the impressive outdoor space create a dreamy connection to the outdoors. “This Scandifornian-style home has a contemporary feel but the warmth of the cedar cladding made me feel like it was both in Scandinavia and the California coastline,” says Diaz. “The use of plain slice interior oak doors, Douglas fir windows and oak cladding in the powder bathroom and primary suite really added to the overall wood vibes here.”

The primary suite features sleek wood paneling, an oversized walk-in closet that is doused in mint green paint and cabinetry, while the primary bathroom is equipped with a soaking tub and open-air deck with incredible views of the Griffith Observatory.

In the backyard, the pool area is surrounded by a teak deck that offers ample space for entertaining and soaking up the Southern California sun. The home’s cedar exterior is complemented by drought tolerant landscaping, which was meticulously planned with Filetti limestone paving stones, raised planters and mature Manzanilla olive trees. When asked how this project fits into the firm’s portfolio Diaz notes, “Through years of hard work my team and I progressed from working on small remodels to larger-scale new construction projects and we are proud of how this home turned out.”