Silver Lake House
Through Richard Stampton Architects’ pared-back design and a wild garden by Terremoto, Silver Lake House integrates beautifully into its Los Angeles setting.
Located in East Los Angeles, where early and mid-century architecture meets abundant greenery, Silver Lake House embodies Richard Stampton Architects’ design approach. “The brief was to reuse as much of the existing building as we could – that’s always our starting point for projects that aren’t new builds, and my home was no exception,” architect Richard Stampton explains. “We also wanted the house to develop a new presence on site; we like to ensure that buildings fit into their environment without mimicking what was there before and what surrounds it.” Construction and landscaping played a large role in achieving this, with the latter entrusted to Terremoto.
“When we first viewed the property, we found a speakeasy on the lower level, which explained the additional laneway entrance,” Stampton says. “It was an interesting find, but the main reason we bought the plot was the established fig, orange and lemon trees outside. The connection between houses and gardens is one of the things I love about America.” Pared back to its original hardwood frame, the home’s existing structure was then reclad and fitted with new openings. Entering through the front door, residents are now met with the kitchen, living and dining area to the left, while the bedrooms and bathrooms sit to the right. A secondary living room is housed on the floor below, where a picture window frames the garden. West of the garden, near the lemon tree, is the office. Throughout the renovated home, local Douglas fir timber and 1950s pink marble bring a sense of warmth to the interior.
In response to the bustling energy of Los Angeles, the project called for a private garden. The clean lines of the house can be glimpsed between layers of protective greenery, which wraps the property in a secluded landscape. From inside, the trees offer an ever-changing outlook shaped by the seasons, their bare branches in winter providing clear sightlines to the city and out to Catalina Island. Terremoto co-founder David Godshall says, “In the design world, there’s a funny predilection for landscapes that are sparse and minimalist. But I think with most housing types, it’s more energising to juxtapose crisp architectural geometries with wild planting.” Beyond its role as a natural buffer, the hand-watered garden becomes a tranquil, intimate space.
“One of the things I’m most proud of with Silver Lake House is that people eventually ask whether it’s new or has always been there,” Stampton notes. “It’s a sign that the project gains presence slowly; it doesn’t strike you from the start but takes a few passings-by to filter into your mind and settle.”
