Family Affair

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What was once a dark, cramped ranch home in the Hollywood Hills has become a stunning showplace.

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Project Info

Architect: David Montalba, Montalba Architects, Santa Monica, Calif.
Contractor: Ben Lunsky, Sarlan Builders, Beverly Hills, Calif.


Priorities

  • Open up the floor plan and admit more natural light

  • Increase square footage for the growing and extended family

  • Give the home more “curb appeal”

Solutions

What was once a typical mid-century ranch home in the Hollywood Hills has evolved into a spectacular showplace, both inside and out, and even gained a second floor in the process. The clients wanted a home that was stylish, attractive, modern, and could accommodate their extended family from around the world. This required adding a second level — with breathtaking views of Los Angeles — and turning a three-car garage into two separate bedroom suites.

Architect David Montalba, principal of his self-named firm in Santa Monica, did a foundation-up renovation that resulted in a sleek and stylish home rich with natural light and an openness to the outdoors, effectively eliminating all traces of the home’s dark, more traditional lineage.

Judges’ Comments

“It’s really great how they cleaned everything up, creating a unified structure.”

Products Used

Flooring: European white oak, DuChateau

Home automation: Lutron

HVAC: Goodman; Venstar; Bryant; Payne; Honeywell; Panasonic

Paints/stains: Benjamin Moore

Tile: Ann Sacks

Windows: Fleetwood