Londonderry House by McClean Design, A Sculptural Entertaining Retreat Above Sunset Boulevard
Architecture Design of Londonderry House
Description About The Project
Perched above Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, Londonderry House by McClean Design is a dramatic three-level luxury residence featuring double-stacked glass-bottom pools, expansive entertaining spaces, and panoramic city views, crafted for an extravagant indoor–outdoor lifestyle.
The Project “Londonderry House” Information:
- Project Name: Londonderry House
- Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Designed by: McClean Design
An Iconic Entertaining Residence in West Hollywood
Set high above Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, Londonderry House by McClean Design was conceived as a bold architectural statement tailored for entertaining on a grand scale. Positioned on a dramatic perch in West Hollywood, the residence commands sweeping views of the city while maintaining a sense of privacy and exclusivity.
Designed for a client who envisioned an extravagant home capable of hosting large gatherings, the house unfolds across three carefully programmed levels. Private bedroom suites occupy the upper floor, public living spaces dominate the main level, and a basement level is dedicated almost entirely to entertainment and wellness.
“The ambition was to create a house that performs exceptionally well for large-scale entertaining, while still feeling composed and architectural,” McClean Design shared with Luxury Houses Magazine. “Every level had to connect visually and spatially, without sacrificing privacy or drama.”
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Arrival Sequence and Water as Architecture
The experience begins along a wide, steep driveway that heightens anticipation as the home gradually reveals itself. At the entry, marble steps wrap elegantly around a sleek water feature, setting a tone of refinement and theatricality. A sculptural art piece marks the threshold, reinforcing the home’s gallery-like presence.
“We often treat arrival as a choreographed moment,” the architects explain. “At Londonderry, water, stone, and art work together to slow the pace and signal that you’re entering a different world.”
The water feature continues beyond the entry, flowing directly into the pool and becoming a central architectural element rather than a decorative afterthought.
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Main Level: Transparency, Views, and Flow
The main living level is defined by openness and fluid transitions. A dramatic double-height living room opens on both sides, literally traversing the water feature as it moves toward the pool terrace beyond. This space is designed to dissolve boundaries between interior and exterior, with uninterrupted sightlines toward the city and sunset horizon.
The office, dining area, and kitchen/family room are all positioned to engage the view, opening directly onto the expansive pool terrace. Western exposure allows natural light to flood the interiors throughout the day, while the elevated position offers a constant visual connection to Los Angeles below.
“This level was about framing the city as a backdrop,” notes McClean Design. “The architecture steps back so the view, light, and movement of water take center stage.”
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The Double-Stacked Pools: A Defining Architectural Feature
At the heart of Londonderry House is its most distinctive feature: double-stacked pools. The upper pool features a glass bottom, allowing daylight to cascade down into a lower-level pool below. This layered water composition visually and physically anchors both public levels of the home.
Surrounded by tall greenery, the lower pool level feels intimate and secluded despite its openness to light. The interaction between water, glass, and landscape creates a constantly shifting play of reflections and shadows.
“The stacked pools were designed as a vertical connector,” the architects explained. “They bring light into the lower level while reinforcing the idea that water is the spine of the house.”
Basement Level: Entertainment and Wellness
The basement level is unapologetically designed for leisure. Here, a large game room, media lounge, wine room, and full bar form the core of the entertainment experience. This level also includes a gym and wellness area, ensuring that recreation and relaxation are seamlessly integrated.
Despite being below grade, the basement benefits from natural light filtered through the glass-bottom pool above, maintaining a sense of openness and comfort.
“We wanted the basement to feel just as intentional and luxurious as the upper floors,” McClean Design noted. “It’s not an afterthought—it’s a destination.”
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Materiality and Architectural Restraint
Throughout the house, materials are used with precision and restraint. Marble, glass, and smooth contemporary surfaces define the interiors, allowing architecture, water, and views to dominate the sensory experience. The palette reinforces the home’s modern identity while maintaining warmth and tactility.
Every design decision supports the home’s dual purpose: a striking architectural statement and a highly functional entertaining environment.
A Contemporary Landmark Above Sunset
Londonderry House by McClean Design stands as a compelling example of contemporary luxury architecture in Los Angeles. By combining dramatic site placement, innovative water features, and carefully choreographed spatial sequences, the home delivers an immersive living experience tailored to social life at its most elevated.
As featured in Luxury Houses, this residence demonstrates how architecture can balance extravagance with clarity—creating a home that is as memorable as the city it overlooks.
Photo credit: Simon Berlyn | 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
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