Mandeville Canyon Residence

Size:9,694 square foot
Location:Brentwood, CA
Designed By:

Kempel Architects

This 9,694 square foot modern residence pays homage to the craftsman architecture of the early 1900s with its originality, simplicity of form, use of natural materials and the visibility of handmade details.

The design is inspired as much by its unique setting as the client’s lifestyle. To maximize the views of the surrounding eucalyptus and pine groves, the house is split into two wings, which turn away from the motor court to face an expansive lawn and the surrounding canyon views. Inspired by the soft tones of eucalyptus bark, the facade is clad with gray-stained cedar, which unifies the structure with the surrounding landscape.

Breaking the structure into smaller parts reduces massing and establishes a physical connection with the outdoors, providing access from almost any room. At the heart of the home is a dramatic stacked stone fireplace that begins in the living room and penetrates the exterior wall to become a wedge-shaped landscape feature and finally, the pool wall.

 

Modern hillside home at dusk with warm interior lighting, multi-level design, and natural landscaping among tall trees.
At the back of the estate, we built a pathway into the foliage.

Nestled between groves of trees, the residence is divided into two wings. The public living spaces and master suite are located in one, while the children’s quarters, guest rooms, and auxiliary spaces are located in the other.

Entryway splitting the home into the north and south wing
the same space from behind
Modern two-story home at twilight with stone and wood facade, expansive glass walls, and illuminated pool with lounge chairs.
The public living spaces and stone clad fire place lead to the open pool area


At the center of the house is a stone hearth – an integral part of a home, a symbol of warmth and family. Here, the stone fireplace wall is multi-functional: it extends vertically through the second floor and roof; and horizontally, penetrating the exterior wall to become a landscape feature along the pool. Within it, the stone wall houses the double-sided fireplace serving the formal living room and the more relaxed family room, as well as the more intimate fireplace for the upstairs master bedroom.The great stone fireplace wall reappears in the master suite on the second floor, there encompassing a reading niche and an outdoor raised spa on the balcony, which offers expansive views of the property.

main floor hearth.
master bedroom hearth

To maximize the views of the surrounding eucalyptus and pine groves, the house is split into two wings, which turn away from the motor court to face an expansive lawn and the surrounding canyon views.

Modern two-story home with wood and stone exterior nestled among oak trees, featuring curved driveway and carport.
the motor court enveloped by the surounding eucalyptus grove
Modern living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, neutral sofas, and wood ceiling overlooking lush landscape
folding doors open up this living space into the to the surrounding groves of Eucalyptus trees.

a small blurb about the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces creating avery liberating feeling of belonging anywhere, you float through the inside and outside and the distinction is blurred.

water feature at the entryway of the south side of the house
patio furniture next to small pond for relaxing time.
Covered outdoor dining area with wood ceiling and benches overlooking pool, trees, and hillside beyond
dining al fresca on the deck fnext to the main living room
Modern two-story home with cedar pergolas and horizontal railings overlooking multi-level pool and eucalyptus grove
a modular set of living spaces make the backyard the perfect place for a party

The facade is clad with gray-stained cedar, inspired by the soft tones of eucalyptus bark. The material’s color and texture unifies the structure with the surrounding groves of trees. The cedar carries from the exterior through the main entry hall, representing its significance as an interstitial space or articulation between the two sections.

Modern home exterior with cedar pergola, open staircase, and horizontal siding nestled among eucalyptus trees
oak redwood against the clad grey wood of the house pops, space between the home and the garage
polished concrete against mahogany and grey oak create contrast
window from the master bedroom looking down into the lobby
Modern lounge with horizontal wood-paneled walls, linear ceiling lights, neutral sofas, and tropical landscape display
private screening room
Modern living room with grand piano, stone accent wall, wood ceiling, and natural light from tall windows.
oak cabinets against a mable countertop with built in faucets
a tub with a view.

Other defining surface elements are the rich mahogany doors and window frames, and a polished concrete wall that stretches from the basement through the roof. Like the gray cedar, these materials move seamlessly from the exterior to the interior of the house, delineating and integrating indoor and outdoor spaces.


In addition to the main house, there is a detached four-car garage, a 1950’s-era post and beam pool house (now refurbished as a writer’s studio), an oversized pool and spa, a basketball court, and a tennis court with a small pavilion.

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