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Devlin House: Transforming Steep Terrain into Architectural Splendor

Location: Sunset Plaza, Los Angeles, California

Devlin House, nestled on a hillside property in the private neighborhood of Sunset Plaza, Los Angeles, stands as a testament to innovative architectural solutions. The project aimed at remodeling an existing single-family dwelling, incorporating a new master suite, an exterior pool, and a deck area, all while capitalizing on the breathtaking views of the city.

The project encountered a significant challenge posed by the steep nature of the property. Despite the ample land available for expansion, the terrain required a creative approach to integrating the desired floor area without resorting to conventional excavation, grading, or retaining walls commonly seen in the neighborhood.

Design Concept: Embracing the natural landscape, Devlin House's design revolves around the transformation of the steep, seemingly unusable portion of the land into functional and habitable space. Eschewing traditional retaining wall strategies, the goal was to respect the surrounding nature while achieving the project's objectives.
Innovative Engineering: Addressing the steep topography, an engineering marvel took shape—a concrete platform structure suspended above the ground. This freeway-style concrete slab deck and pool not only eliminated the need for extensive excavation but also seamlessly integrated with the master suite addition below the land. To support this ambitious design, towering 60-feet deep concrete caissons were strategically erected, ensuring stability and accommodating the cantilevered concrete platform.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the elevated platform design served a dual purpose. It not only eliminated the need for disruptive excavation but also effectively addressed drainage concerns associated with the added space. The conscious decision to avoid extensive earthworks contributes to a sustainable approach, respecting the natural integrity of the site. Devlin House stands as a beacon of architectural ingenuity, transforming a challenging hillside property into a harmonious blend of luxury and nature. By creatively utilizing the steep terrain and implementing innovative engineering solutions, the project not only met its programmatic goals but also set a precedent for sustainable and thoughtful design in a private Los Angeles neighborhood.

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Hill Oak House

Perched on a winding hillside street in Los Angeles, the remodel of 5630 W. Hill Oak Dr. was an opportunity to push creative boundaries. Designed as a flip house for a developer, this project allowed for bold architectural decisions that redefined the existing structure while enhancing its relationship with the site.

The house maintains privacy from the narrow street while opening the rooms to the backyard, where the view is. Set within a neighborhood shaped by some of the city’s most innovative designers, the Hill Oak House contributes to this architectural lineage with its contemporary yet site-responsive approach. It emerges as an unexpected moment along the narrow, winding road—its presence striking yet seamlessly integrated into its surroundings.

A defining move was the transformation of the home’s outdated mansard roof. Instead of simply removing it, we reinterpreted its geometry—stripping away the original material and mirroring the same angled form at the base. This approach resulted in a striking, contemporary facade that stands out while maintaining a subtle dialogue with the neighborhood’s architectural legacy. The visual impact was further amplified by a plaster slat system, adding depth and texture to the home’s street presence.

The house maintains privacy from the narrow street while opening the rooms to the backyard, where the view is. Set within a neighborhood shaped by some of the city’s most innovative designers, the Hill Oak House contributes to this architectural lineage with its contemporary yet site-responsive approach. It emerges as an unexpected moment along the narrow, winding road—its presence striking yet seamlessly integrated into its surroundings.

Inside, a key spatial move was the extraction of a volume from the second floor, opening up a dramatic two-story entry. A large glass storefront now anchors this space, flooding it with natural light and creating a seamless connection between indoors and out. The new gallery space adjacent to the entry extends vertically, linking the two levels and adding a sense of openness and fluidity.

At the rear, a dramatic transformation unfolded with the addition of an expansive deck and a sculptural stair leading to the garden. Designed as an exaggerated, triangular form, the stair is wide enough to accommodate groups descending together, doubling as a social seating area reminiscent of theater steps. This intervention not only improved circulation but also created a strong indoor-outdoor connection, reinforcing the home’s relationship with its hillside setting.

At the rear, a dramatic transformation unfolded with the addition of an expansive deck and a sculptural stair leading to the garden. Designed as an exaggerated, triangular form, the stair is wide enough to accommodate groups descending together, doubling as a social seating area reminiscent of theater steps. This intervention not only improved circulation but also created a strong indoor-outdoor connection, reinforcing the home’s relationship with its hillside setting. The lower deck was structurally reinforced to connect the family room, kitchen, and den, ensuring a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Steel beams, shear walls, and reinforced concrete footings were integrated to meet hillside structural and seismic requirements.

The kitchen, originally tucked away, was strategically relocated to the central area near the entry. This move captured expansive views of Los Angeles, turning the kitchen into a focal point rather than a hidden utility space. Douglas fir cabinetry and a minimalist material palette kept the interiors warm yet refined, complementing the open floor plan and allowing flexibility for future owners.

The interior spaces underwent dramatic transformations, significantly improving natural light and connectivity to the outdoors. The master bedroom and bathroom, along with the guest bedrooms and bathrooms, were redesigned to open up to the rear yard through extensive doors and windows. The existing house lacked natural light, but the new layout introduced abundant daylight by strategically capturing the fantastic views and enhancing spatial flow.