This sleek modern property called the ‘Summit House’ is situated in Beverly Hills, California, designed by Whipple Russell Architects. The clients for this project were a family intent upon staying closely connected even while moving to a considerably larger home. This was accomplished with the use of energy efficient glass walls throughout, an open floor plan, and sight lines between floating levels and rooms allowing the family members to stay connected visually throughout the space. They also had a passion for modernism and had collected art pieces that we included in our 3D models to make sure scale and placement were considered.

One of the owners is a well-known sports agent making the entertaining of adults as well as teenage children and their friends an essential design goal. Summit House demonstrates the perfect mix of modern functionality and innovation. Prior to construction, an old home on the property was intricately deconstructed so that building materials, fixtures and appliances could be reused or donated to non-profit organizations. The new residence is a series of vertical and horizontal floating planes. It uses extensive solar power, a gray-water reclamation system, and sound passive-solar design elements making it the first house permitted under the city of Beverly Hills green building ordinance.

The house is “smart,” using a computer to control shades, the gray water system, as well as the entertainment centers. The bowling alley on the lower level features an “underwater view” into the pool via custom windows. Oversized pocket doors and a 10’X10′ glass float-away wall separate the central gallery, family room and kitchen from the exterior terraces and pool – when open, the outside is inside.