home

"There was excitement about the site and the possibilities—that excitement was infectious,

The surrounding hillside offers beautiful views and miles of hiking trails.

Urban landscapes abut natural ones.

Back patio

Near the house, Cooper clustered lush, big-leafed plants philodendron, purple heart, and flowering canna. Farther out, vegetable gardens sprout in raised beds, and thyme and mint thrive beneath citrus trees. Native California silver wild rye and matilija poppies bind the slope, bordering the low “snake wall” that winds around the yard, narrowly ducking beneath a big ficus tree with just enough clearance for a sprinting kid. Wide stadium steps connect the garden levels, turning the steep hillside into amphitheater seating.

For his own home in Mar Vista, architectural designer Mohamed Sharif retained the front portion of a 1940s bungalow and added an L-shaped, two-story volume at the rear that includes a wing for his mother-in-law. “Adapting and reusing and being sensitive to the neighborhood context was important,” he says. The structure is sheathed in fiber cement HardiePanels. The decking is by Trex.

Local building regulations also call for the inclusion of architectural features such as gardens, porches, and a traditional Cerdanya-style gate.

The solar-heated pool and spa enjoys spectacular scenery.

A new outdoor deck addition, which meets the local council’s requirements for site coverage, was built in the rear garden.

The main room and master bedroom open directly to the pool.

The beautifully landscaped backyard features a few separate sitting areas—perfect for entertaining and indoor/outdoor living.

Add/Subtract House by Matt Fajkus Architecture | Photo by Charles Davis Smith

The house is located near a spectacular nature preserve, as well as the San Gabriel River path.

The home has 1,506 square feet of living space and a beautifully landscaped backyard, which features one of the home's highlights—a detached, 120-square-foot studio designed to match the main house.

A sheltered open-air lounge provides a prime spot to take in the view.