QUAIL DRIVE RESIDENCE

Perched in the hillside community of Mt. Washington, Los Angeles, this exterior renovation breathes new life into a 100-year-old home. The primary challenge and opportunity of the site lay in its topography: because the house sits below the street level, the roof is highly visible daily, acting as a prominent "facade." Embracing this unique perspective, the design treats the roof as a crucial "fifth elevation." To achieve a clean, uninterrupted roofline, the bulky HVAC units were strategically relocated to the sides of the property, restoring the home's architectural silhouette.

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The curated material palette was selected to be timeless, striking a balance between modern sophistication and historic respect. Smooth white plaster walls establish a crisp, bright foundation, while light-colored horizontal wood finishes introduce warmth and texture. In a bold, grounding contrast, black-stained vertical wood finishes add visual height and contemporary drama to the exterior.

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Extending the living space outward, the project also introduces custom outdoor deck areas complete with architectural trellises. These new structures not only maximize the property's hillside views but also create a seamless transition between the indoor spaces and the lush, layered landscape of Mt. Washington. The result is a century-old home thoughtfully reimagined for its next chapter, blending functional ingenuity with enduring style.