A Rustic Residence That Pays Homage To A Classic 1940s California Cabin

This beautiful piece of land from the Santa Monica Canyon in Los Angeles once was home to a 1940s cabin used as a testing station for the Forest Station. In its place, there’s now a beautiful rustic residence designed by Conner + Perry Architects, Inc. and Nicholson Architects.

The exterior of the house pays homage to the original cabin which stood here before it
The exterior of the house pays homage to the original cabin which stood here before it

The owners wanted this to be a place that they can call home and where they would be able to display their amazing art collection. The architect aimed to honor the past and the symbolism of the original cabin and to effortlessly integrate the new house into the gorgeous natural surroundings.

The front door is a reclaimed piece from the 1970s which adds character and authenticity to the house
The front door is a reclaimed piece from the 1970s which adds character and authenticity to the house

They incorporated the fallen eucalyptus wood found on the site into their design and used materials with an organic nature for the exterior of the building. 

The materials used for the exterior of the house have a very organic and natural feel and that helps with the indoor-outdoor integration
The materials used for the exterior of the house have a very organic and natural feel and that helps with the indoor-outdoor integration
The interior spaces enjoy a close connection to the garden and pool area
The interior spaces enjoy a close connection to the garden and pool area
The house is surrounded by lots of trees that form a natural barrier, a privacy shield around it
The house is surrounded by lots of trees that form a natural barrier, a privacy shield around it

For the outer shell of this lovely family home the architects chose materials that age well like charred wood, copper, exposed steel and concrete. They also incorporated Corten steel into the design using it on the fences, gates and planters.

The interior is very open and peaceful, with lots of large windows and glazed walls
The interior is very open and peaceful, with lots of large windows and glazed walls

The main entrance doors and the door to the main bedroom are authentic 1970s doors which also add a lot of character to the inside of the house. Speaking of the interior, there’s a very airy and open ambiance throughout the entire house.

The owner's extensive art collection brings the house to life and gives it a unique character
The owner’s extensive art collection brings the house to life and gives it a unique character
The social area is a big open space with sliding walls that open onto a deck
The social area is a big open space with sliding walls that open onto a deck
The master bedroom has a nice little balcony from where the gorgeous surroundings can be admired
The master bedroom has a nice little balcony from where the gorgeous surroundings can be admired

Areas like the living room are very welcoming and cozy, featuring bookshelves on the wall, a red L-shaped sectional, an iconic Eames lounge chair and a very chic coffee table with a marble top. Large windows and glass walls bring the outdoors in. A beautiful reading corner was created in front of one of the windows, becoming a nice space for contemplation. 

A cozy seating and reading nook was created in front of this window
A cozy seating and reading nook was created in front of this window
The transition from inside to the outdoor areas is seamless and that helps to connect the house to its surroundings
The transition from inside to the outdoor areas is seamless and that helps to connect the house to its surroundings
The kitchen and dining area have similar styles based on warm and simple colors
The kitchen and dining area have similar styles based on warm and simple colors
The seating area has a chic and vibrant look thanks to the bold colors that really pop
The seating area has a chic and vibrant look thanks to the bold colors that really pop
The home office opens onto the garden and is connected to the living area by a stone pathway
The home office opens onto the garden and is connected to the living area by a stone pathway