Overlooking Downtown LA and Hollywood, the minimalist dwelling belongs to architect Hagy Belzberg, who, incidentally, interned with Frank Gehry, and features cutthroat lines, uninterrupted space, uncluttered rooms and extensive detailing. Designed by the 13-strong team as his Santa Monica-based studio, Belzberg Architects, the house was built with beauty, budget and environment in mind. And we have to admit, we’re in love with every square foot of it (5,000, to be precise).

Developed for no more than $180 per square-metre, the Skyline Residence is proof that sustainability and style don’t have to be at the cost of bankruptcy, with eco-concepts incorporated into the sleek design; air-conditioning is replaced by natural cooling that harnesses the wind from the valley; electric lighting is reduced by natural sunlight that filters in through floor-to-ceiling windows; and all-natural resources are gathered from nearby sites to reduce transportation emissions. Because of these features and the way it is built, the design has very little impact on its environment. Making the best use of the difficult construction site – a compressed ridge with only a narrow slither of workable land – the Skyline Residence demonstrates that a consideration for site conditions and local climate reduces architecture’s imposition on a landscape. The earth beneath Belzberg’s house is partially composed of granite, making the prospect of excavation extremely difficult; fortunately, the architect discovered that a network of underground roots – supplied by the thick brush that grows across the hillside – made the land more solid, meaning extensive excavation and complex foundations weren’t necessary. Interestingly, the little granite that was dug up was used under concrete slabs to level drainpipes and as a walking surface for the viewing platform.

Aesthetics aren’t given a backseat, either, with upscale fittings and at least one wall of each room made from glass to make the best use of the picturesque Californian views. We particularly like the floating orb fireplace in the living room. The main feature of the house, though, is the outdoor home cinema, where movies are projected from the ground onto a screen that’s mounted on an outside wall and watched from a viewing platform situated above the garage. Indeed, there would be nothing better than snuggling up beneath the stars with a wannabe actress, the twinkling lights of the city in the distance and Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh sharing a passionate embrace before you. In addition to housing its own premiere-worthy, drive-in-style screen, the Skyline Residence also boasts a 65-foot infinity pool that overlooks the valley, spacious terraces that are perfect for dining al fresco on and a secluded guesthouse where Belzberg undoubtedly stashes his mother-in-law when she comes to stay.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Skyline Residence is that it was built on such a small budget, proving that even those watching their pennies can achieve striking modern design and economy. While this abode is inspired by the glamour of Hollywood and its celluloid-starring inhabitants, you don’t necessarily need a movie star’s payroll to realise your architectural dreams. Though let’s face it, it would be very nice.
www.belzbergarchitects.com / Images: Belzberg Architects