Over the last few years, on a prime street in Brentwood Park, residents have quietly been observing the progress of one of the neighborhood’s most notable new constructions. Now, the strikingly sleek and sophisticated home—the work of Los Angeles firm Studio APA—is finally ready for its closeup. “We wanted to bring the spirit of modernism to Brentwood,” says Alex Pettas, the firm’s founding principle. “Our goal was to integrate the site’s topography with the architecture. We sought to work with nature rather than against it.”
The result is a breathtaking two-story contemporary residence, tucked against a hillside yet responding to the natural slope of the site. Pettas—who worked for renowned architects Marmol Radziner for four years before establishing his own practice in 2015—organized the 8,546-square-foot main house into a unique L-shaped volume, with continuous walls of sliding doors and wrap-around floor-to-ceiling glass that bring daylight into each space. A poetic stone walkway leads from the driveway up to the front of the house, punctuated by an intricate Japanese-style tiered garden by acclaimed landscape designer Hoichi Kurisu. The home’s exterior of Western red cedar and Endicott brick add to the overall organic feel.
After ascending the stairs, one is greeted with the entrance to the house, as well as one of its most distinctive elements—an expansive deck and sparkling infinity edge pool that run parallel alongside the front of the residence, rather than the back. “It’s been said many times that Los Angeles is the perfect setting for indoor-outdoor living,” Pettas says. “This home really captures that spirit.” Sliding pocket doors visually extend into the landscape, leading directly into a connecting great room, kitchen and dining space, all done in clean-lined modern furnishings by San Francisco firm FQ Designs. The project was carefully overseen by Jason Maltas of Maltas Group. Light fixtures include Venice-based Stahl + Band’s undulating P Wave pendant—made of handwoven elephant grass and recycled plastic bottles—and a pair of Illan suspension lamps by Luceplan—a beautifully airy creation composed of strips of laser-cut plywood—hanging over the kitchen islands. An impressive glass-walled wine room by Thomas Warner Wine Cellars leads to an intimate sitting area and al fresco dining terrace. The seamless fusion of indoor and outdoor space is ideal for entertaining, creating an ambiance of openness and freedom.
Yet although the public spaces are quite vast, the private areas are equally calming and Zen in feel. The spacious primary bedroom suite is filled with neutral materials, nubby fabrics and exquisite herringbone wood floors. Soaring windows flood the room with natural light, while a spa-like bathroom features a walk-in glass shower and soaking tub. The remaining four bedrooms all look out onto lush landscaping and have their own ensuite bathrooms, while details such as custom millwork and artisanal plaster by Kamp Studios adds textured touches throughout. The bottom level of the home contains a cozy state-of-the-art theater and refined gym. And last but certainly not least, a freestanding accessory building towards the front of the property acts as both a pool house and additional guest quarters, complete with a rooftop sundeck.
The end effect is a gorgeous personal sanctuary in the middle of Brentwood that manages to pay homage to the site, and its history, while also creating something completely innovative and new. “Our goal is to create an experience that is in harmony with nature while also reflecting a modern point-of-view,” Pettas says. “When a project is carefully considered and designed with spirit, hopefully the user can feel that.”
151 S. Cliffwood Ave. is on the market for $19,995,000. Contact Christie’s International Real Estate for more info. christiesrealestate.com
“We wanted to bring the spirit of modernism to Brentwood,” says architect Alex Pettas. “Our goal was to integrate the site’s topography with the architecture. We sought to work with nature rather than against it.”
“When a project is carefully considered and designed with spirit, hopefully the user can feel that.”