The beauty and charm of a period home, particularly the intriguing patina that materials can develop over time, is hard to capture in a new build—yet it was one of the characteristics that Diaz + Alexander Studio wanted to define a new family home they designed in Studio City, California. The four-bedroom home is a modern take on the French Chateau style, with a thoughtful mix of new and old materials—from antique French roof tiles, to heart oak timber flooring from Madera.

“While this is a new build, it has an old charm to it,” explains architect Rob Diaz, principal at Diaz + Alexander Studio. “Our palette was a blend of Southern California warmth with a big splash of European influence.”

The home has a double-gabled roof, which not only gives it a striking form but allows for the bedrooms on the top floor to be separated by a central hallway for privacy. Arched windows and entrances are a motif used throughout to soften the geometric forms and imbue a sense of elegance.

The interior plays with this same tension between clean lines and softer details. It is defined by clay-rendered walls and impressive swathes of oak flooring, complemented by sumptuous textiles and sculptural lighting. “The oak flooring stood alone,” says Diaz of the decision to use a “live” grade, which celebrates the raw, natural beauty of the timber. “Our choices helped to highlight the handsome flooring.”

The oak floor was sourced from Madera, a design and fabrication firm founded in Brooklyn in 2012 that utilizes the medium of wood for innovation and creative expression. To build the detailed flooring spec, the Diaz + Alexander Studio team visited the brand’s L.A. showroom numerous times and worked closely with Madera’s in-house design team and shop—particularly on the design of the stairs, which feature 13-inch stair treads that match the wide-plank flooring.

“Rob and his team wanted to highlight the natural beauty of wood so instead of going with a prime grade selection—which is common these days—they specified live grade, a dynamic cut that embraces the natural beauty of the oak tree,” says Daniel Clason-Höök, Managing Partner and Owner of Madera. “This cut and grade tells the full story of the tree with articulated center cracks, rift and quarter edges and an overall dynamic look.”

Outside, the clean lines of the smooth Santa Barbara stucco and the slender, steel-framed windows and doors are complemented by antique French roof tiles. Character and texture is added through the traditional filetti-style cobblestones, limestone walls, and oak shutters that echo the Madera oak flooring inside.

The timeless appeal of Mary Ellen House was key to its success, as it was developed by Diaz + Alexander Studio to sell on the open market. Unsurprisingly, it quickly sold to a family of four who were enchanted by the play between old and new. “Mary Ellen House was a big moment for me and my company,” says Diaz. “I am so proud of the finished home.”

Learn more at maderasurfaces.com.

Project Credits:

Architect: Diaz + Alexander Studio

Oak floors: Madera

Photographer: Todd Goodman