Alden House

Alden House

Beverly Hills, California

The Alden Residence investigates a series of simple contrasts: front vs. back, formal vs. casual, and inside vs. outside. Paradoxically, the major living spaces aim at being both introverted and extroverted.

The site is located in a hilltop subdivision near Los Angeles.

The 11,000-square foot house is simply diagrammed. A great two-story curved loggia mediates between “inside” and “outside.” The living room, dining room and family room are conceived as Arcadian garden spaces. Subdued light sifts through the trellis-like ceiling. The light wood structure is anchored by occasional rock-like concrete supports.

A bedroom wing pierces the bow of the loggia. The second level master bedroom is poised over the kitchen at the tip of the wing, securely sheltered under a broad overhang.