Nakahouse by XTEN Architecture

Perched on the west ridge of Hollywood Hills, not far from the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory, the Nakahouse (name after Nakashima) is an abstract black villas with all-white interior overlooking the unrivaled view of canyon.

Architects: XTEN Architecture
Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Photography: Steve King, Courtesy of Xten

Los Angeles based architecture firm XTEN has reconstructed a 1960s hillside house into a glamorous villa, through adding an 50 sqm extreme cantilevered terrace to open the kitchen and connect the living room, a wide outdoor steel stair leading to a rooftop sundeck.

The open interiors and operable clerestory windows on the upper level create natural ventilation, eliminating the need for air-conditioning.

Inspiration from architect:

Due to geotechnical, zoning, budget and ecological considerations the foundations and building footprint were maintained in the current design. The interior was completely reconfigured however, and the exterior was opened up to the hillside views and the natural beauty of the surroundings.