This extraordinary timber clad house with its playful decor is one of a kind

Everything about this Hollywood mansion, widely considered among the best houses in the world, was designed to take advantage of its extraordinary canyon setting, from the large glazed openings that frame views of the sky and greenery to the terraces that look like they’re perched among tree canopies.

Pamela Shamshiri from Studio Shamshiri, along with architect Marmol Radziner, also designed the house to reflect its owners’ adventurous character. “We even clothed the outside with blackened cedar so that it integrates with its surroundings; it looks like a wooden hut,” she says.

The partnership was very productive. ‘Our clients are bold and fascinating, and they were active in the design process,’ Pamela says of the company’s patrons. ‘There is a beautiful rapport between our two studios, and they couldn’t be kinder or more creative people.

There are three buildings on the property:

• The main house is perched on the edge of a cliff and looks out over the canyon below.
• An office and garage are located a short distance from the home and face back up the slope.
• A guest pavilion is located near the canyon’s base.

KITCHEN

The use of timber was not limited to the outside but was also used extensively in interior design. Wide oak Dinesen boards were chosen for the floors and ceilings because “we wanted to create a contrast with the façade,” as Pamela puts it.

The custom dovetailed cabinetry in the kitchen, which is an integral component of the main open-plan living space, showcases superb craftsmanship and mixes in beautifully with the rest of the room’s wood joinery.

Conceptual kitchens often feature a metal-framed glass partition between the cooking area and the pantry, where the more practical appliances can be hidden from plain sight.

Many pieces from the owners’ enormous collection of contemporary art are set off by the dark cedar utilized for the building’s exterior. Pamela says, “We wanted to showcase the art, and the dark timber helps to ground the colors,” and that “each artwork adds a layer of whimsy,” which is “very authentic to the homeowners and their personality.”

LIVING ROOM

The living room has large glass sliding doors that lead out to a deep deck with breathtaking views of the forest ceiling.

The customers were receptive to commissioning one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture from today’s artists and designers. For instance, a wood coffee table with a built-in turntable would be perfect for the living area.

Mixing and matching different chairs is one option for a living room. The color-blocked, cushioned pieces invite leisure. Pamela, who reflected the owners’ fun side by hanging a hammock that appears to be woven from nylon puffer jackets in one corner of the living room and incorporating a sculptural chair, says, “We wanted to have slightly overscaled, extra comfortable and plush furniture; it needed to feel approachable and liveable, without much fussiness.”

DINING ROOM

Installing a parchment and bronze artisan pendant in your dining area that is eye-catching and makes a statement is a great design option. This chandelier draws attention to the high ceilings in the room.

LIBRARY

The library is surrounded by low shelving and windows with beautiful metal frames.

MAIN BEDROOM

The couple’s main suite occupies the entire top floor of the main house, giving it the feel of a private eyrie amid the treetops. The native oaks and sycamores were considered throughout the building’s design, giving the impression that the interior rooms extend out into the surrounding forest.

Hanging a pendant light in the shape of a cloud from the ceiling is one way to give the feeling that the natural world surrounds the bedroom.

BEDROOM

The walls and ceiling were given a light coat of blue Venetian plaster, which provides a calming counterpoint to the olive, rust, and teal furniture and accessories.

SHOWER ROOM

One of the bathroom ideas for this shower room was to design a simple plan. A striking chair crafted from concrete complements the chair’s clean lines. The timber ceiling and the skylight bring the outdoors in a while, also creating a connection to the natural environment.

In Pamela’s opinion, the highest compliment is when the owners say they like spending time at their own house. It’s the highest praise. She says it made me so pleased because “they are focused on growing their plants and producing stuff – they are always working on various projects.” It has been relayed that they are not venturing out of their comfort zone because hotels cannot compare to their living quarters. I’ve also heard that their buddies tend to stick around for a while when they visit.