Tramonto Residence by ShubinDonaldson, A Masterpiece in Hillside Architecture

Date of Publishing: February 24, 2025

Architecture Design of Tramonto Residence

Description About The Project

Explore Tramonto Residence by ShubinDonaldson in Pacific Palisades – a modern hillside retreat blending architecture with nature, featured in Luxury Houses Magazine.

The Project “Tramonto Residence” Information:

Project Name: Tramonto Residence
Location: Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California, United States
Project Year: 2018
Built area: 17000 f²
Site area: 87120 f²
Designed by: ShubinDonaldson
Interior design: Magni Kalman Design

A Hillside Sanctuary Overlooking the Pacific

Perched in the foothills of Pacific Palisades, Tramonto Residence is a contemporary architectural gem that seamlessly integrates into the rugged beauty of its environment. Designed to embrace the canyon vistas, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the California coastline, this 17,000 sqft single-family home harmonizes built form with the natural landscape.

Tramonto Residence by ShubinDonaldson, A Masterpiece in Hillside Architecture

“Tramonto Residence was conceived as a retreat that dissolves boundaries between nature and structure, enhancing the living experience through thoughtful spatial planning,” a representative from the architect shared with Luxury Houses Magazine. “Every aspect of the design is informed by the site’s topography and breathtaking views.”

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Embracing the Landscape: Site and Materiality

The residence is terraced into the hillside, utilizing sub-grade structures to reinforce the natural contours.
A limited material palette of limestone, high-performance glazing, and dark ipe wood complements the site’s organic aesthetic.
The design strategically fragments the overall building mass, creating distinct yet interconnected volumes that flow seamlessly into the terrain.

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A Dialogue Between Openness and Privacy

Tramonto Residence balances public and private spaces through its dual terrace system:

The semi-public terrace extends outward, engaging with the landscape and maximizing coastal views.
The private inward-facing terrace offers a tranquil retreat, fostering a more intimate connection with the residence.
A feature stairway and reflecting pool create a sculptural circulation path, bridging levels and enhancing the residence’s geometric rhythm.

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“Our goal was to create a residence that balances transparency and privacy,” said a lead architect from ShubinDonaldson in an interview with Luxury Houses Magazine. “By introducing these dual terraces, we allowed the home to interact with nature in a way that remains both immersive and secluded.”

Indoor-Outdoor Living at Its Finest

Designed to embrace California’s temperate climate, the home exemplifies indoor-outdoor living:

Expansive high-performance glass facades blur the boundaries between the interior and exterior.
Passive design principles maximize natural light, reducing energy consumption while enhancing livability.
The residence’s massing and orientation ensure optimal cross-ventilation, reducing the need for artificial cooling.

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“Every design decision for Tramonto Residence was guided by a desire to create a dwelling that interacts with its environment in a meaningful way,” noted ShubinDonaldson. “From the material selection to the way spaces unfold, the home embodies a seamless integration with nature.”

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A Statement in Modern Hillside Architecture

With its minimalist aesthetic, refined materiality, and sensitive response to the terrain, Tramonto Residence by ShubinDonaldson stands as a testament to thoughtful, site-responsive design. The home is not merely a structure but an experience—one that celebrates the serenity of the hillside and the grandeur of the Pacific.

Luxury Houses Magazine reached out to the homeowners for insights on their experience living in Tramonto Residence, but no response was received by the time of publication.

For more exclusive features on architectural masterpieces, visit Luxury Houses Magazine.

Photo credit: Fernando Guerra | FG+SG Photography | Source: ShubinDonaldson

For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: Los Angeles 726 N. Cahuenga Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90038 310.204.0688
– Email: press@donaldsonplus.com