When this midcentury project in Studio City came to Assembledge+, it was largely untouched by time. The sawtooth plan engaged fairly well with the commodious site, given the standards and opportunities of its period, but David Thompson’s clients knew it could do more. And the home was in dire need of a big overhaul to its interiors and its energy performance.
“Part of the beauty of Southern California is we can open these houses 365 days of the year,” says David. “This house is in the heart of Los Angeles. To have this much property in a dense urban environment is an opportunity for an incredible sanctuary.”
To mine that gold, the team set about connecting the front yard, side yards, and backyard to a new, sharpened sawtooth plan with large windows walls that open to the landscape. The house steps down the moderate slope in back, allowing a tiered outdoor living area and an expanded primary bedroom with an office tucked underneath. “Our goal was to blur the boundaries between all the yards and extend the living experience to all parts of the site,” David explains.
“There are a lot of beautiful moments here,” said one judge. “Overall, it’s a well-executed project, especially as it ties together with those fabulous outdoor spaces. It’s a significant transformation.”
Citation
Assembledge+
Oakdell Residence
Los Angeles
Project Credits
Architect: David Thompson, principal in charge; Gregory Marin, Assembledge+,
Los Angeles
Builder: Eric Dobkin, Dobkin Construction, Los Angeles
Interior Designer: Lisa Strong Design, Los Angeles; Susan Mitnick Design Studio, Los Angeles
Landscape Architect: Michael Fiore, Fiore Landscape Design, Los Angeles
Structural Engineer: Chris Peck, Peck, Pasadena, California
Project Size: 5,755 square feet
Site Size: 0.62 acre
Construction Cost: Withheld
Photography: Lisa Romerein
Key Products
Cooktop: Wolf
Counters: Caesarstone
Drywall: USG
Faucets: Dornbracht
Paints: Benjamin Moore
Refrigerator/Freezer: Sub-Zero
Toilets: Duravit, TOTO
Windows/Window Wall Systems: Fleetwood