Kitz-Brien House by Andrew Hall Architecture

Kitz-Brien House retains elements from the original low-slung home on site while adding layers of warmth. Andrew Hall Architecture expands the existing floor plate to the rear, fusing old and new and focusing on connections between inside and out.

Located in Los Angeles, Kitz-Brien House pays homage to both the bungalow-style origins of the site and the Japanese heritage of the owners. The focus was to maintain and celebrate connections internally and between inside and out. Opting to keep as much of the existing rear landscape, an additional floor was integrated instead of expanding outwards. The existing Dutch gable silhouette provided the ideal template to conceal the additional mass from the streetscape. Andrew Hall Architecture balances openness and natural connections with paying respect to the home’s origins.

Andrew Hall Architecture balances openness and natural connections with paying respect to the home’s origins.

By seamlessly integrating a second floor, the architects have not only expanded the available living area but have forged more deliberate and seamless connections. The flow between the interior and the surrounding landscape is enhanced and the continuing of the existing palette reiterates the home as a calm retreat. The additional openings bring natural light deeper into the interior, allowing dynamic light play.

To make the most of the available floor space, storage and integrated gestures such as custom seating are nestled into the architecture. Joinery, built from timber and painted a neutral tone, conceals amenities, supports daily functions and encourages a retreat-like atmosphere.

Joinery, built from timber and painted a neutral tone, conceals amenities, supports daily functions and encourages a retreat-like atmosphere.

Through a restorative process, Kitz-Brien House is reworked to connect more intentionally to the surrounds. Dotting the home with moveable and considered details that allow the building to respond to climate and comfort, Andrew Hall Architecture designed a home fit for modern living.

Architecture and interior design by Andrew Hall Architecture. Build by Mallis Workshop. Landscape design by Donielle Kaufman, Mary Lange and Molly Funk.