CAHUENGA PASS
Los Angeles, CA
Elysian reimagined the neglected site of a modest mid-century house in the Hollywood Hills which was updated and expanded by Lee Danziger. Elysian’s concept focused on the interaction between the structures and the landscaping. Coming off the public road carved from the steep natural hillside, a generously curving driveway is densely bordered by Cork and California Live Oak trees grown together into an inviting arch.
Elysian conceived of a poolscape set in the front garden, a lavishly planted outdoor dining alcove, patios, and walkways designed to provide an intimate experience of nature and to screen out neighboring houses and rooftops.
Loosely ranged steps of pigmented concrete descend from the summit to the house, where an informal footpath of smooth cast-in-place concrete pavers meanders toward a front entrance bordered by fragrant Lavender, Glaucous Junipers, Agaves, and Purple Fountain Grass.
Secondary stairs constructed of landscape ties with decomposed granite lead down to a gravel courtyard with a view of the canyon to the east, making an exterior connection between the two levels of the house.
Design Team:
Elysian Landscapes
Lee Danziger, Architect
Completed: 2004
Area: 18,730 sf