Highland Park Organic Modern | Hillside Sanctuary

Designed to respond to the unique topography of Highland Park, this residence utilizes a stepped massing strategy to navigate the sloping lot. Moving away from the stark white box often seen in Los Angeles, the design employs a monochromatic earth-tone palette—featuring warm stucco and textured masonry—to ground the structure within the hillside.

The architectural form is punctuated by deep-set glazing and cantilevered volumes, creating a passive solar shading system that invites natural light while mitigating heat gain. This is a study in contextual modernism: bold in form, yet quiet in its material presence.

Earth-tone modern hillside home in Highland Park with brick retaining walls, swimming pool, and black metal balcony railings. Organic Modern in NELA.

Earth-tone modern hillside home in Highland Park with brick retaining walls, swimming pool, and black metal balcony railings. Organic Modern in NELA.

Designed for the arid Southern California climate, the entry features drought-tolerant desert landscaping (agave and palo verde trees) against a minimalist beige facade. A cantilevered wood trellis provides shade for the parking area while softening

Designed for the arid Southern California climate, the entry features drought-tolerant desert landscaping (agave and palo verde trees) against a minimalist beige facade. A cantilevered wood trellis provides shade for the parking area while softening the architectural lines.

Luxury bathroom with pink geometric terracotta tiles, exposed wood ceiling beams, walnut vanity, and gold fixtures.

Luxury bathroom with pink geometric terracotta tiles, exposed wood ceiling beams, walnut vanity, and gold fixtures.

Biophilic Design. Note the placement of the vertical picture window. It is positioned to frame the greenery outside, turning the landscape into "living art" while maintaining privacy at the vanity.

Biophilic Design. Note the placement of the vertical picture window. It is positioned to frame the greenery outside, turning the landscape into "living art" while maintaining privacy at the vanity.

Hillside Custom Homes & Additions

Navigating the "Hillside Overlay" If your property has a view, it likely also has a complex set of zoning rules. We are experts in Pasadena’s Hillside Development Permits (HDP).

  • We Handle: Slope density calculations, view protection analysis, ridgeline setbacks, and fire-safe material specifications.

  • The Goal: Maximizing your square footage and views without getting stuck in "Planning Hell."