Westridge Residence is a single story 1950s California Ranch style home, which was given a complete overhaul by Montalba Architects in Los Angeles, California. The home is nestled hillside, capturing 270-degree views of downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. The architects found inspiration in the mostly covered-over details of the existing structure -a high exposed-beam ceiling in the living room and brick walls – and re-imagined these for an open, flowing series of rooms that a modern family could enjoy. The stone fireplace was replaced with white brick and numerous partitions removed to create a single, free-flowing living / family / kitchen area. The interior design of this spectacular home was carried out by Thinkpure.

The roofline was raised over the entirety of the house and clerestories, skylights, and full-height glass doors added to bring in additional natural light. A bright and reflective material palette – white brick, Carrara marble, glass tile, terrazzo, and oak – is used throughout to visually expand the space and pay homage to the original mid-century character. The sandblasted concrete hardscape, including a new spa and fire feature, is terraced to accommodate the hillside, and complimented by sustainable plantings and fruit trees. The terraces operate as extensions of the interior public spaces, creating a series of indoor-outdoor rooms.

The lifted ceiling and custom two-sided stone fireplace create a continuous great room between the living and dining areas and main garden.

Floor to ceiling windows combine with natural ipe decks and rooftop rock gardens to extend view corridors and habitable areas at the south and west elevations.

The newly-added second story offers a separated haven for extended family, including mini-kitchen and secondary family room. Light-colored, beach-inspired materials such as white-washed oak floors, white stone, teak millwork, and ocean-toned glass tiles transform the home into a tranquil, airy Southern California retreat.

Photos: John Linden Photography