The Wallace Ridge house, designed by Whipple Russell Architects is located in Trousdale Estates region of Beverly Hills, California.

At the outset the original property was in disrepair; it had a choppy floor plan and gabled roofs that did not fit the client’s vision of a modern home. The goal, of course, was to maximize the views while creating fluid well-lit spaces that would both serve and reflect the lives of the inhabitants. Marc saw a way to stay within the Trousdale Estates’ strict single story 14 foot height restriction and still provide spaciousness and a spectacular view. To create a vantage point for the best view, a roof terrace was built atop the master suite, accessible from the pool area. The entire core of the house was redesigned to feature an open plan, high ceilings and a sleek flat roof. The front door, flanked by large glass panels, opens to a wide entry and provides an open sight line across the living area, though 12ft glass walls and 8ft glass sliding pocket doors, to the patio and pool. Rooms are minimally defined using tall panels, custom stained in a rich coffee bean brown that contrast with the light walls. The warm modernism the clients wanted, and a home suited for entertaining, was achieved with a harmonious use of materials allowing kitchen, dining, entertaining and living room spaces to flow easily into one another. As there is a musician in the family, the clients wanted to find space for a full music studio; Marc found it by digging down and locating the studio beneath the motor court. It includes a separate control room, sound booth for vocal recording, and tracking room, a soundproofed oasis for creation. Photos by Whipple Russell Architects.