Cape Town’s SAOTA, alongside US architect developer David Maman and Belgian interior designer Dieter Vander Velpen, designed this angular house in Bel Air, California. Perched on a steep, triangular site this dwelling boasts striking canyon views extending from Century City to the ocean. Inspired by the site’s geometry and orientation, the exterior has a robust angular form.

The upper floor is enclosed in white aluminum vertical screens – a pristine, clean element that floats above a monolithic concrete base. This mass element, which gives the building’s primary street character, is interrupted by a single undulation in its otherwise uniform surface, its lightness contrasting with the solid, tactile concrete it hovers over.

DESIGN DETAILS: LEAD DESIGNERS SAOTA & David Maman ARCHITECT OF RECORD David Maman INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGNERS Dieter Vander Velpen Architects DEVELOPMENT MANAGER PLUS Development CONTRACTOR JAL Construction Inc. ELECTRICAL ENGINEER CEG LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Landscape by Diane LIGHTING DESIGNER Moon Lighting

Entering the property, the architectural character changes. Clean lines persist but are now fragmented, with angled mass walls guiding visitors towards the entrance, and the materiality shifts from metal and concrete to earthy travertine surfaces.

The contrast between the containment of the street entrance and the release into the living space, with its architectural lines reinforcing the expansive views over the pool terrace and down the canyon’s flanks, is powerful.

A memorably large living space is focused toward the view. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces, merging the main living areas with the pool terrace.

The architecture shapes the views, providing privacy where necessary while drawing the landscape’s calmness and serenity into the home’s heart.

Inside, fluid, curved forms and a simple palette of stone, timber, and bronze create a unified, sculptural quality.

Natural materials and organic shapes infuse warmth and well-being, from the kitchen island to the circular marble bath carved from a single piece of marble.

Architecturally, the design balances solidity and lightness, angularity and curvature, street presence, and scenic views, resulting in a powerful architectural statement and a cocooning nurturing environment.

What We Love: This angular house features an open and airy floor plan with well-appointed, furnishings, lighting, and decor. The material palette provides a sleek aesthetic, from the exterior facade to the interior. Opening glass walls give way to enhancing natural light, fresh air ventilation, expansive views of the Los Angeles skyline, and creating seamless transitions to the outdoor living spaces.

Tell Us: What elements in the design of this dwelling do you find most appealing? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fascinating home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of California: Fascinating minimalist home is cantilevered over the Los Angeles hills and A treehouse-inspired home in California promoting indoor-outdoor living.

The outer appearance features a strong, angular design, with the top floor wrapped in white aluminum vertical panels that hover over a solid concrete foundation.

PHOTOGRAPHER Mike Kelley

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