Hillside ADU in Los Angeles Incorporates Steep Terrain Into its Design

Much of Los Angeles is hilly -- and building on these lots comes with challenges both on the design front as well as the additional rules included in hillside regulations. This ADU takes advantage of the retaining wall used to carve out part of a steep backyard to create a continuum of interior/exterior spaces: a front patio, a living room, and a back patio.

Designed by architect Teo Berndt, the ADU is built atop of and cantilevered to what was an existing rec room. Alinging the top structure to the plot line (the existing rec room was not) created unusual angles that give the interior and exterior volumes interest and playfulness.

The first floor houses a living area, a generous kitchen, and a powder room. On the second floor are the main bedroom, bathroom and study/guest room.

With a total of six glass doors, both floors open up to the outdoors in a series of six unique patios, balconies and decks that connect to the house in an Escheresque way.

The interior, specified by Monica Berndt, was furnished with several convertible furniture pieces that can be expanded to accommodate guests or contracted for a minimalist and clean look.

Teo and Monica are siblings who collaborate on many projects under the brand of Tayo Design Studio and Havaleena.com.