Lugano Place

Savage Swischuk Architecture

Program: 3,000 sf Single Family Residence w/ 4 bedrooms 3.5 baths, living, dining, kitchen and garage.

Brief: Design residence on a 6,832 s.f. hillside lot that complies with the “Hollywoodland Specific Plan”, “Baseline Hillside Ordinance” in addition to cities usual zoning and building code requirements located in the 1920’s development of Hollywoodland

Description: Located in the 1920’s development of Hollywoodland, under the Hollywood sign, history and contemporary design come together to mediate the conflicts between European style homes and current regulation. Hollywoodland originally required, through covenant, that all houses built in the area be designed based on a hand full of architectural styles (Spanish, Tudor, Mediterranean and Norman) and then review by the Hollywoodland Realty Company. The covenants expired in the 1940’s and thereafter many of the new homes were of poor design and quality which had become a concern of the community. In the 1990’s the “Hollywoodland Specific Plan” was adopted to ensure that new construction was consistent in character and quality with the original homes. Over the years other general planning requirements for hillside construction were added in addition to the specific plan for Hollywoodland. These additional regulations are concerned with issues of building on hillsides and in many cases are at odds with the areas original architecture. There’s also a desire to take advantage of new materials, windows and technologies such as solar which are obviously not characteristic of the period architecture.

The project sits on a small knoll that runs across the site with a mature acacia tree near the top and several period homes around it. The design borrows its character from a notable tutor home nearby that features simple plutonic shapes with an array of varying type of fenestration organized under a series of tall steep pitched roofs. These dramatic roofs are characteristic of the Hollywoodland skyline but are difficult to achieve under current height regulations. To meet the current hillside requirements, new homes have to be cut further into the hillside, the footprints become more compact and as result they typically are three stories leaving little left in height for dramatic roofs.

The vision for the project was a contemporary interpretation of a period home which allowed us to abstract and modify elements to resolve current requirements and restrictions. The front of the house embodies the essence of the quintessential village cottage but with a twist. Familiar stylistic components are aesthetically composed to their simplest forms to address their specific needs. The massing of the house pushes in and out as it steps up the hillside breaking down the scale to be more consistent with the character of the original homes. These ideas also extend into the interior where most of the cabinetry is dark walnut that evokes a nostalgic appearance of fine woodworking but with clean simple lines contrasted by solid contemporary colors. The main stair is heavy timber stringers and thick wood treads but is contemporized with open risers and clean powder coated aluminum guardrails with cable wire infill. Equally important was for the design to reflect new technologies such as solar, exceed green building requirements, and on site water collection/filtration for irrigating gardens.

One of the challenges of designing a three story home is not making it seem like three stories. It was important that the stair becomes part of a spatial journey and not just a function. When you enter the house your attention is immediately drawn upward at the three story entry hall and stair case. Ascending the stair you find yourself up a level but still at grade because views open out to the left at a terrace, rain garden and the hill above. From here the circulation leads to the kitchen, living and dining areas with views looking into mature trees and skim the tops of the neighboring roves transforming the experience from vertical hill to horizontal vistas. Making your way to the stair leading to the third floor you rise above the hill where the views from the bedrooms look down the canyon to the city.