T-1 House by McClean Design, A Sculpted Sanctuary Above the City Lights

Date of Publishing: December 3, 2025

Architecture Design of T-1 House

Description About The Project

Discover T-1 House by McClean Design in West Hollywood’s prestigious Bird Streets. A modern single-story-over-basement residence defined by dramatic light wells, floating bridges, rich Minotti interiors, and panoramic views of Los Angeles.

The Project “T-1 House” Information:

Project Name: T-1 House
Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
Project Year: 2014
Area: 9,500 SF
Designed by: McClean Design
Interior Design: Minotti

A Corner-Lot Masterpiece in One of West Hollywood’s Most Exclusive Streets

T-1 House marks McClean Design’s third residence on this remarkably small yet ultra-coveted cul-de-sac in the famed Bird Streets. With only a handful of homes perched above the Los Angeles basin, the location is prized for its rare views and unmatched privacy. Positioned on a corner lot, the site allowed the team to clearly separate pedestrian and vehicular entry—a luxury on a hillside street with tight constraints.

T-1 House by McClean Design, A Sculpted Sanctuary Above the City Lights

Paul McClean explains the starting point: “The goal was to deliver a large program without overwhelming the site, all while capturing the incredible city views that make this street so special.”

To achieve this, the architects opted for a single-story design placed over a highly optimized, light-filled basement.

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A Hidden Entry That Unfolds Into Panoramic Views

From the street, the residence reads almost as a minimalist sculpture—two monolithic stone walls with only a discreet entry gate between them. This quiet facade conceals the expansive world beyond.

Once inside the gate, the architecture reveals its drama: the entire living space appears as a glass pavilion at the far end of a linear light well. Visitors cross a floating bridge over a water feature to reach the main glass living area.

McClean notes, “The bridge was meant to slow the approach—to shift your mindset and create a moment of transition from the public street to a private, elevated sanctuary.”

The bridge not only creates a ceremonial entry but also frames the sweeping views of the city that unfold through the transparent living volume.

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Light Wells, Water, and Lush Green Walls

The light well is the project’s architectural spine. Running linearly between the street and the house, it allows the basement to feel bright, open, and engaging. The well opens fully to an entertainment lounge and an office area below, where natural light washes the spaces through a sequence of reflective strategies.

A white marble waterfall bounces sunlight into the basement, creating constantly shifting patterns of light and movement. The water feature fills the light well except for a floating platform—a serene pocket designed for reading, relaxation, or simply admiring the vertical green walls at each end.

“Basements can easily feel disconnected,” McClean adds. “By pairing water, greenery, and light, we turned it into a place people genuinely want to spend time.”

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Skylit Circulation and Daylit Bedrooms

Further enhancing the lower level is a skylit stairwell that draws light deep into the home, connecting the basement to the main floor with striking vertical clarity. Bedrooms on the lower level face outward toward the view, ensuring that even private spaces benefit from sunlight and a direct connection to the landscape.

This strategy transforms what could have been a subterranean level into one of the most atmospheric parts of the home.

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Minotti-Crafted Interiors With Rich, Timeless Warmth

The interiors were co-designed with Minotti, resulting in a sophisticated palette defined by deep, rich tones and refined textures. Plush fabrics, tactile surfaces, and sculptural furniture pieces convey an elevated yet inviting ambiance.

McClean reflects on the collaboration: “Minotti’s sensibility aligned perfectly with the house—luxurious, warm, and quietly confident.”

The furniture and material palette reinforce the architectural language, transforming the home into a seamless blend of modern clarity and sensual comfort.

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A Bold Yet Tranquil Hillside Retreat

T-1 House stands as a meticulously orchestrated composition of water, light, stone, greenery, and glass. By combining a restrained street presence with an interior world of openness and luminosity, McClean Design has created a home that feels sheltered yet expansive—private yet panoramic.

Photo credit: Jim Bartsch; Nick Springett | 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