28 DIGS.NET | 10.15.2021
R E S T O R E D | X T E N A R C H I T E C T U R E
Inside, fifty-five feet of sliding glass doors open the intercon-
nected living, kitchen and dining space to the exterior, creating
a seamless connection between the house and the terrace
and framing an astounding panoramic view of the city below.
Fourteen foot ceiling and an infinity edge pool serve to underline
the breathtaking experience. "One early design had a central
fireplace separating the main living room and dining spaces into
two separate areas," Haefelfinger remembers, "But the clients
were so enthralled by the scale of the space that we ended up
removing the fireplace, creating an expansive all-in-one living
area with those sliding glass doors spilling out onto the pool
terrace and inviting in that magnificent view."
A
R
C
H
I
T
E
C
T
U
R
E
+
D
E
S
I
G
N
A bedroom wing, which extends the entire length of the property,
is designed to ensure privacy from the neighbors just up the hill. It
culminates in a generous primary suite, dramatically cantilevered
over the hillside, that seems to reach for the sparkling cityscape.
A lower level, which is able to function independently, show-
cases a quartet of self-care spaces — a gym, a sauna, a wet
room, a massage room — as well as multiple guest bedrooms,
a wine cellar, a full-size bar and a massive den. "It was very
important to the clients that the two spaces felt connected,"
says Haefelfinger, "and that the lower level was filled with natural
light." XTEN's response was a glass-enclosed central courtyard
with a double wide central staircase and a dramatic old growth
olive tree while also suffusing the lower level with a gentle glow.
Textured stone and smooth white plaster used for both the
exterior and interior help blur the line between indoors and out.
Warm colors, precise detailing and fine materials underline the
luxury and refinement that characterize XTEN Architecture's
definition of a modern home. Chimera Interiors' chose luxurious
modern furnishings, in tactile materials that play with color and
shape, layer warmth and intimacy over the monumental rooms.
"As part of our design process, we're able to share an interactive
3D model of all of the main spaces, including the city lights
below, with the client for them to understand what it will be like,"
says Haefelfinger, "Nevertheless, standing on site in the actual
space proved to be another experience altogether." In Los
Angeles? Certainly. Out of this world? Definitely.
