Casale House by McClean Design, A Pacific Palisades Residence Shaped by Views, Light, and Water
Architecture Design of Casale House
Description About The Project
Casale House by McClean Design is a three-level contemporary residence in Pacific Palisades, designed for seamless indoor–outdoor living with ocean views, warm materials, and a central water courtyard.
The Project “Casale House” Information:
- Project Name: Casale House
- Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Project Year: 2022
- Area: 10,910 SF
- Designed by: McClean Design
- Interior Design: LMID
A Hillside Home Above the Pacific
Perched high in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, Casale House is a contemporary single-family residence designed by McClean Design to fully embrace its exceptional setting. With uninterrupted views stretching across the Pacific Ocean and the protected foliage below, the home is shaped by both climate and landscape—responding to one of the most temperate and desirable microclimates on the West Coast.
The architecture is conceived to support year-round indoor–outdoor living, allowing daily life to unfold fluidly between interior spaces and the surrounding natural environment.
“The goal was to create a house that feels completely open to its site, while still offering privacy and comfort,” explains McClean Design in remarks shared with Luxury Houses Magazine.
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Arrival as a Gradual Reveal
The experience of Casale House begins long before the front door. A meandering driveway ascends the peninsula-shaped lot, gradually lifting visitors above the street and toward a quiet drive court. It is here—at the crest of the approach—that the expansive ocean view is first revealed.
This carefully orchestrated arrival emphasizes anticipation rather than immediacy, allowing the landscape to unfold in stages.
“We like the house to introduce the view slowly,” notes the studio. “That moment of discovery is an important part of how the architecture is experienced.”
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A Central Water Courtyard as the Heart of the Home
Organized across three levels, the house is structured around a central water courtyard that brings daylight deep into the interior, including the basement level. This light-filled void becomes both a visual anchor and a climatic device, cooling and illuminating the home naturally.
Upon entry, a wide central hallway bifurcates the program. To the south, the formal living and dining areas open directly onto the garden, while to the north, the light court and stairwell provide vertical connection and spatial clarity.
“Water is used here not as ornament, but as an architectural element that shapes light, movement, and atmosphere,” says Paul McClean.
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Living Spaces Framed by Landscape and Ocean
To the west, an expansive family room and kitchen form the social heart of the home. Fully glazed walls slide open to connect directly with the pool terrace, offering sweeping views across the surrounding protected natural areas and out toward the ocean beyond.
The spatial arrangement allows residents to look in multiple directions—toward water, greenery, and sky—creating a constant dialogue between architecture and site.
“Every major space is oriented to maximize views, whether that’s the ocean, the garden, or the courtyard,” the architects explain.
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Private Quarters Above, Entertainment Below
The upper level of Casale House is reserved for rest and retreat. It contains the primary suite, complete with his-and-her bathrooms and walk-in closets, alongside additional bedrooms and a small family lounge. Elevated above the main living areas, these spaces enjoy privacy while maintaining strong visual connections to the landscape.
Below, the basement level is designed as an entertainment zone. A media room, gym, secondary family room, and an extensive wine cellar are all naturally lit via the central water courtyard—transforming what could have been a dark lower level into one of the most engaging parts of the house.
“The courtyard allowed us to rethink how basement spaces can feel,” notes McClean Design. “They become destinations rather than afterthoughts.”
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Warm Materials Against a Natural Backdrop
While the architecture is defined by clean, modern lines, its material palette introduces warmth and tactility. Limestone, oak, and subtle metal accents are used throughout the home, grounding the contemporary form and creating a sense of comfort that balances the expansive scale.
This restrained yet rich palette allows the house to sit confidently within its natural setting, contrasting gently with the surrounding landscape rather than overpowering it.
“Material warmth was essential,” Paul McClean adds. “It ensures the home feels livable and relaxed, even with such dramatic views.”
A Contemporary Expression of California Living
As highlighted by Luxury Houses Magazine, Casale House by McClean Design exemplifies a refined approach to contemporary California living. Through careful planning, a strong connection to landscape, and a thoughtful balance of openness and intimacy, the residence becomes more than a viewpoint—it becomes a place of everyday ease.
Here, architecture, climate, and nature align to create a home that feels timeless, grounded, and effortlessly connected to its extraordinary surroundings.
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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