Inside a Midcentury Contemporary Oasis in Los Angeles

March 11, 2025

Woven into the colorful tapestry of L.A.’s history, this striking, light-flooded contemporary home in Silver Lake is a versatile oasis of creativity and seclusion designed by one of the city’s significant architects.

Secluded on a spacious corner lot in the storied Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, this striking contemporary residence designed by architect Hai C. Tan is woven into the tapestry of the city’s history. Tan established his reputation and eponymous firm in the early 1960s, and he has long been recognized for his design of Mandarin Plaza, the thriving Chinatown commercial hub that opened in 1972. Businessman Jack Lee, who developed the plaza, also hired Tan to design his personal residence, this bold, voluminous oasis of glass, wood, and metal that, along with flourishing flora, surrounds a serene swimming pool.

Los Angeles, California | Patricia Ruben, Alan Melkonyan, Sotheby’s International Realty – Los Feliz Brokerage

Sleek, streamlined, and filled with natural light, the 5,194-square-foot home possesses a breathtaking sense of open airiness while remaining grounded by an astute use of natural materials and tones. The versatile floor plan unfolds in an effortless flow, and the line between indoors and out is essentially blurred, allowing for true indoor-outdoor living. Throughout, natural light and expressive construction combine to produce intriguing lines and shadows, and abundant storage is cleverly integrated.

The welcoming great room encourages entertaining or quiet relaxation by the fire, with the crowning tray ceiling creating ideal acoustics for musical endeavors. An expanse of glass offers a verdant view and opens to a deck amid the trees. Across the room, nearly a full wall of glass virtually disappears, giving way to the pool and terrace. Nearby, the cook’s kitchen is flooded with sunlight during the day and opens to a grilling area and the dazzling pool terrace. It offers a long, streamlined island with counter seating, a full complement of Miele appliances, wood cabinetry and open shelving, and a pleasing minimalism that hints at popular Danish modernism. Other highlights include a generous media room, a dedicated dining area, and a collection of cozy nooks for lounging.

The home’s six bedrooms are peaceful and restful thanks to earthy hues and warm light and are accompanied by stylish spa-like baths with skylit showers and eye-catching accents, among them unique sculptural tile. An artful open staircase set in a bright atrium links the main and upper levels.

At the heart of the compound is a refreshing, whimsically shaped swimming pool surrounded by a sun-washed terrace, towering trees, and a curtain of greenery. At the top of a series of terraced landscape beds is the two-level guesthouse, a secluded aerie for visitors with a glamorous open living area featuring a kitchenette and breakfast bar as well as its own covered patio gazing out over the property.

This singular contemporary sanctuary feels perfectly at home in the bohemian neighborhood of Silver Lake, which has long attracted writers, musicians, thespians, and other visionaries. Much as its environs fosters diverse restaurants, intriguing shops, and independently owned businesses, this residence is a setting where creativity of all sorts is destined to flourish.