Inside a Contemporary Tour de Force in Los Angeles

The list of accolades for Monika Haefelfinger and Scott Utterstrom’s firm XTEN Architecture runs into the dozens. The acclaimed international company based in Los Angeles and Switzerland specializes in custom contemporary constructions that combine the notorious precision of the Swiss with California’s progressive, experimental spirit. Soaring above the city of Los Angeles with the majestic Pacific Ocean in the distance, this striking residence is among XTEN’s award winners—a standing that, with its generous use of glass, crisp clean lines, unique fluid layout, and emphasis on the view—it rightly deserves.

Los Angeles, California | Bruno Abisror, Joseph Cilic, Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Monica – Venice Brokerage

The home’s position, following the contours of its hillside, creates a feeling of being integrated with its natural surroundings, and some 44 floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels thoughtfully positioned throughout the home blur the lines between indoors and out, capturing the prevailing breezes and “disappearing” to establish an effortless flow between serene interiors and captivating alfresco areas with dazzling outlooks.

Outdoor living shares top billing here. A spacious yard, numerous decks, a trio of burbling water features, a fire pit, and an infinity-edge waterfall accompany the home, offering a variety of venues for outdoor lounging, dining, and entertaining with one of the city’s most enviable vistas as a backdrop. When illuminated at night, the waters of the alluring swimming pool and spa echo the entrancing blues of the sky overhead.

The open, expansive living room has two focal points: a striking sculptural indoor-outdoor fireplace and a magnificent view. A dining area adjoins a kitchen with streamlined surfaces of wood and stone and a secluded breakfast patio. A casual living area gives way seamlessly to a stone and grass terrace set into the earth and enveloped by trees and hedges for consummate privacy. Honey-hued hardwood floors flow throughout.

The carefully cantilevered charcoal-hued concrete staircase rises to the upper level and its two guest suites as well as an inspiring primary suite with a similarly eye-catching fireplace, a well-outfitted walk-in closet, and a glass-railed balcony. The resort-caliber bath boasts a soaking tub and a mirrored dual-vanity wall. Fittingly for a residence in the city widely regarded as the home of cinema, a full wall of glass offers a sparkling, theatrical view.

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