Grand View Drive Residence is perched high in the Hollywood Hills, California, designed by Whipple Russell Architects. This was a challenging remodel project, controlled by the long and narrow lot and existing walls of the old house. The residence is contemporary meets modern; a three-story ship with roof deck on top. The client, a successful model, required living space that worked for entertaining as well as providing a quiet retreat for guests. All was accomplished, keeping in mind, shape, usability, light, and of course, the views.

The open-plan house is oriented on the north/south axis, with an angled ‘slice’ taken out of the view-side of the home, drawing your eye towards the ocean and the setting sun. As it sits on the top of the hill and there are no homes immediately surrounding, it really is a unique point of view in the hills. A centrally located “glass box” switchback staircase was designed for egress from the first floor all the way up through the levels of the home, becoming a very functional piece of art.