Tanager IV House by McClean Design, A Sculpted Hillside Haven in the Bird Streets
Architecture Design of Tanager IV House
Description About The Project
Explore Tanager IV House by McClean Design in West Hollywood’s elite Bird Streets. A modern hillside residence that masterfully balances panoramic downtown views, warm contemporary interiors, and light-filled spaces despite a compact, challenging site.
The Project “Tanager IV House” Information:
- Project Name: Tanager IV House
- Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Project Year: 2023
- Area: 4,061 SF
- Designed by: McClean Design
- Interior Design: Tehila Shelef
A Landmark Addition to an Ultra-Exclusive Cul-de-Sac
Tanager IV House marks the fourth residence McClean Design has crafted on this rare, ultra-exclusive cul-de-sac of only nine homes in the famed Bird Streets of West Hollywood. Although the site was tight, with steep slopes and strict constraints, it offered a prime vantage point toward downtown Los Angeles. The challenge: maximize views and natural light while preserving outdoor living opportunities and ensuring that even the basement felt bright and connected to nature.
Paul McClean describes the design intent: “On compact lots, every move has to work twice as hard. The goal was to open the house to the skyline while maintaining a sense of sanctuary and privacy.”
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Elevated Entry and Framed Views
The slope at the front of the property allowed the design team to discreetly position a four-car tandem garage below the main level. This strategic placement not only optimized space but also created privacy from the street.
A short series of steps leads past a screened office window to the front door. Opening it reveals a dramatic, linear light fixture that guides the eye straight toward the green space and shimmering pool beyond.
Inside, the main level combines an office, kitchen, living room, dining area, and the primary bedroom suite. To the right, the kitchen and dining area completely open to the panoramic downtown views. To the left, a sculptural staircase and glowing lightwell are separated from the main living area by a floating stone fireplace that becomes atmospheric at night.
McClean explains, “We wanted the entry to feel like an unfolding narrative—from shadow to light, from enclosure to openness.”
Light, Landscape & the Vertical Connection
Given the constrained footprint and strict parking requirements, the architects created a long linear courtyard bordered by a two-story green wall. This courtyard acts as a natural light conduit, drawing sunlight deep into the basement level. Combined with the oversized skylight above the staircase, the lower level receives abundant, diffused light that transforms what could have been a dark space into a warm, inviting environment.
“In hillside homes, bringing light down becomes a kind of art,” says McClean. “The courtyard became our solution—a vertical garden that feeds light, air, and atmosphere into every corner below.”
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A Wellness-Focused, Light-Filled Basement
The lower level is designed for leisure and retreat. The gym and wellness space line the courtyard, benefiting from natural illumination and the lush, planted wall. Two additional bedrooms sit at the rear, each opening to a private garden that reinforces the home’s strong indoor-outdoor connection.
The result is a basement that feels anything but subterranean—alive, airy, and connected to greenery.
Interior designer Tehila Shelef collaborated with the team to compose a soothing yet refined palette of natural woods, travertine, and richly veined marbles. McClean reflects, “We wanted warmth and texture without sacrificing clarity. The interiors feel contemporary, but deeply comfortable.”
Materiality & Atmosphere
Throughout the home, materials ground the architecture in tactile warmth:
- Natural wood surfaces
- Soft, earthy travertine
- Elegantly veined marbles
- Stone elements that glow subtly in the evening
These touches create a contemporary yet welcoming home that stands in harmony with its compact site and breathtaking location.
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Conclusion
Tanager IV House is a masterclass in designing within constraint—an elegant, light-filled home that balances privacy, luxury, and expansive skyline views on a challenging hillside lot. Through the interplay of courtyards, skylights, warm materials, and precision spatial planning, McClean Design has created a residence that feels both intimate and open, sculptural yet soft.
Photo credit: | Source: McClean Design
For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: 391 S. Glassell St. Orange, CA 92866
– Tel: 714.505.0556
– Email: info@mccleandesign.com
More Projects in United States here:
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- DJ Avicii Hollywood Home in Los Angeles by McClean Design
- KFA Residence in Bel Air, California by Landry Design Group
- Laurel Way Modern Home Concept, Beverly Hills by McClean Design
- Amazing Design Concept of Sunset Plaza Mansion by CLR Design Group
