Showcasing Pasadena

Perched high in the hilltops the LR2 House overlooks Pasadena and its adjacent mountains from its enviable plot. Designed by Santa Monica-based firm Montalba Architects , the house is made up of several distinct living volumes. In response to the client’s desire to retain a significant portion of the existing flat land between adjacent slopes, the house follows a matchbox concept with stacked rooms creating a rotated series of rectangular buildings abutting the hillside, each with its own take on indoor/outdoor space.
Outdoor breezeways, porches, courtyards, covered walkways and an immense rooftop deck extend the reaches of the limited floor area to the natural shrub-land and views beyond.
Following the natural grade of the hill, the front stairs create an arching path to a bridged entry portal, all the while showcasing panoramic views of the house. As the front door opens, the dark, angular façade of paneled concrete gives way to a light-filled interior of soft wood and bright white finishes.
Once inside the residence, stairs descend to a private screening room or ascend to the third floor living spaces. A series of open terraces mirror the interior living quarters, encompassing almost as much outdoor space as the enclosed third-floor footprint.