An entry sequence & facade upgrade was designed by JMDS to update the approach to this Bel Air estate.

On our initial site visit we were met with a walled-in space; disconnected from the approach, the entry to the primary residence lost within a large site wall.

It was clear that to us that we needed to open it right up.

The large brick lined motor court – an important and functional feature that supports frequent entertaining – limited our capacity to breakup the hardscape with softscape.

Our response was to integrate planting into a custom concrete stair that ran the full width of the main residential mass. Softening the framing of the existing house.

The intervention seamlessly combines the custom stair system with a custom steel trellis structure – allowing greenery to infiltrate the facade over time.

Custom metalwork clads portions of the new facade. All glazing was surgically replaced with mullion free clean and clear sheets.

The cantilevered canopy, ties into the custom trellis; creating protection from environmental factors.  An aperture overhead frames the spectacular sculpture below – dynamic daylight activating the different curves and surfaces of the work.

One way mirrored glass protects the privacy at the interior while folding in the greenery that frames the property. The Japanese Ginkgo – strategically placed to punctuate the window openings.