THE KATZ RESIDENCE
Bel Air
Located along one of Bel Air’s most beautiful ridge lines, The Katz Residence sits on an estate worthy acre-and-a-half predominantly flat site with views of the hills, coast and the LA skyline. We designed and implemented the renovation and expansion of the existing house to turn it into a warm weather family escape for our East Coast based clients. Our primary design objective, based on the wishes of the client, was to capture and frame the views from the property while embracing the indoor/outdoor living that is synonymous with the Southern California lifestyle. The first leg of our approach was to analyze and redefine all of the existing doors and windows, ensuring that each aperture was intentionally sized and positioned to have maximum impact on the experience both within and outside the home. Often, the reconfigurations required extensive analysis of the home’s existing structure to efficiently reconfigure the spaces. Our second step was to then redefine spaces to center around an open floor plan with delineated gathering spaces to create a more inviting living environment. In addition to the extensive reconfiguration of the home’s existing spaces, a significant expansion was made to the second floor. It was designed with two separate vaulted volumes, connected via a skybridge that transverses the double height Living Room and Entry. The north wing is dedicated to the Primary Suite, while the south wing contains a Guest Suite/Office, and Lounge. Treated with Venetian plaster and integrated lighting, the Skybridge adds a sculptural element to the home. For the Living Room, a custom leather-wrapped bar with brass finishes and built-in lighting was designed as the first of many gathering points in the home. Along with a new Kitchen and banquette style Breakfast Nook, the Great Room was thoughtfully expanded by consuming an existing underutilized outer patio. Two full-height walls of stacking glass doors were integrated to open the view to the skyline of the city and create a seamless transition between the interior and exterior. Between the Living Room and the Great Room, just above the Breakfast Nook, a custom oak and brass screen was incorporated in the wall, providing semi-transparency while delineating the space. New entryway stairs were designed with open risers to offer views of the entry courtyard and a sculptural tree in front of the house. Exterior design elements of the facade were actualized from the original design elements of the existing house with natural materials such as brick and wood, creating an organic feel with roof gardens, that complement the oak of the interior. The final result contrasts a dark exterior with a bright, warm interior, creating a strong comparison between them.
Photography: Mike Kelley