EL Medio House by McClean Design, A Contemporary Hillside Retreat in Pacific Palisades
Architecture Design of EL Medio House
Description About The Project
EL Medio House by McClean Design is a refined modern residence in Pacific Palisades, California, designed to balance strict planning constraints with expansive ocean views, open-air courtyards, and seamless indoor–outdoor living across a dramatic hillside site.
The Project “EL Medio House” Information:
- Project Name: EL Medio House
- Location: Pacific Palisades, California, United States
- Designed by: McClean Design
A Modern Family Home Above the Pacific
Set high within one of Pacific Palisades’ most coveted residential enclaves, EL Medio House is a striking contemporary residence by McClean Design, thoughtfully positioned to capture sweeping views from the Santa Monica Mountains across the Pacific Ocean, extending southward toward Catalina Island and Palos Verdes.
Conceived as a multifunctional family home, the project responds to the clients’ desire for a residence that could comfortably support living, working, and recreation—while remaining deeply connected to the natural landscape that defines this coastal hillside neighborhood. According to the design team, the ambition was never to dominate the site, but rather to work with its complexities.
“The challenge was to create openness and generosity within a site defined by restrictions,” an architect at McClean Design tells Luxury Houses Magazine. “The house had to feel expansive without overwhelming the landscape or violating the planning envelope.”
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Navigating a Challenging Hillside Site
EL Medio House sits on an irregularly shaped flag lot, beginning with a modest buildable pad before dropping sharply into a tree-filled ravine. This dramatic topography, combined with strict neighborhood height limitations, became the primary driver of the architectural strategy.
Rather than carving aggressively into the hillside, McClean Design chose to extend the structure over the slope, allowing the ground level to remain open and landscaped. This approach preserved the natural terrain while enabling daylight and views to penetrate deep into the home.
The result is a residence that appears grounded and restrained from the street, yet unfolds into a layered spatial experience as one moves through the house.
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Courtyards as the Heart of the Home
A defining feature of EL Medio House is its use of open-air courtyards, strategically placed to bring light, air, and greenery into the lower levels of the residence. These voids blur the boundary between interior and exterior, transforming circulation spaces into moments of pause and connection.
“We used courtyards as spatial anchors,” the architect explains to Luxury Houses Magazine. “They allow daylight and ventilation to reach areas that would otherwise feel buried due to the slope.”
These courtyards also reinforce privacy, ensuring that the home remains shielded from neighboring properties while maintaining an intimate relationship with the surrounding landscape.
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Indoor–Outdoor Living, Reimagined
In true McClean Design fashion, EL Medio House is defined by its seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large expanses of floor-to-ceiling glazing frame uninterrupted ocean and canyon views, while sliding glass walls dissolve entirely to connect living areas with terraces and gardens.
The main living spaces are oriented toward the horizon, allowing the Pacific Ocean to become a constant visual presence. At the same time, outdoor terraces and garden platforms create flexible zones for entertaining, relaxation, and family life.
“This house was designed to be lived in every day, not just admired,” notes McClean Design. “Every major space opens to the outdoors, encouraging movement, light, and interaction with the environment.”
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A Layered Interior Experience
Inside, the architecture embraces a quiet, refined material palette, allowing the views and natural light to take center stage. Clean lines, warm wood tones, and carefully detailed surfaces create a sense of calm continuity throughout the home.
The lower level—partially embedded within the slope—benefits from the same level of openness as the upper floors thanks to the courtyards and extended structure. This level accommodates private family spaces and flexible rooms that support working and leisure without sacrificing daylight or spatial quality.
Luxury Houses Magazine understands that this approach reflects McClean Design’s broader philosophy: modern luxury is not about excess, but about clarity, proportion, and livability.
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Architecture That Respects Its Context
Despite its contemporary expression, EL Medio House remains sensitive to its surroundings. The restrained massing, controlled height, and integration with the landscape ensure that the residence sits comfortably within the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
“We wanted the house to feel as though it belongs to the site,” the architect adds. “It’s elevated, but never imposing—open, yet deeply private.”
This balance between bold architectural gestures and contextual restraint is what ultimately defines the success of the project.
SEE MORE: Casa Licata by Esece, A Breezy Modern Sanctuary Rooted in Mérida’s Tropical Climate
A Contemporary Coastal Sanctuary
EL Medio House stands as a compelling example of modern hillside living in Southern California, where architectural innovation meets environmental responsibility and lifestyle-driven design. By transforming constraints into opportunities, McClean Design has delivered a home that feels both expansive and grounded, offering its residents a sanctuary above the Pacific.
As Luxury Houses Magazine continues to explore the world’s most thoughtfully designed homes, EL Medio House represents a refined vision of contemporary luxury—one rooted in landscape, light, and the art of living well.
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
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