Hillcrest II House by McClean Design, A Contemporary Hillside Estate Framing the Los Angeles Skyline

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Architecture Design of Hillcrest II House

Description About The Project

Hillcrest II House by McClean Design is a luxury hillside residence overlooking the Los Angeles skyline, organized around an open-to-sky courtyard with a lap pool and defined by expansive glazing, refined materials, and dramatic indoor–outdoor living.

The Project “Hillcrest II House” Information:

A Cinematic Hillside Residence Overlooking Los Angeles

Perched above Los Angeles along the famed Billionaires Row, Hillcrest II House by McClean Design is conceived as a contemporary estate that embraces its extraordinary views of the downtown skyline. Through a carefully layered spatial composition centered on an open-air courtyard, the residence merges architectural drama with refined luxury living.

Hillcrest II House by McClean Design, A Contemporary Hillside Estate Framing the Los Angeles Skyline

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A Dramatic Arrival Over Water

The arrival sequence is orchestrated to heighten anticipation. Visitors enter the motor court from the street and approach the residence by crossing a bridge that spans a striking subterranean lap pool below. This moment immediately establishes water as a defining architectural element.

Hillcrest II House by McClean Design, A Contemporary Hillside Estate Framing the Los Angeles Skyline

“The entry experience was designed to feel theatrical,” the architects explain. “Crossing over water reveals the layered spatial organization of the house before you even step inside.”

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Beneath this open-to-sky courtyard lies a basement level filled with entertainment and wellness spaces. The courtyard allows these lower areas to receive natural daylight while maintaining a strong connection to the outdoors.

Framed by a sculptural staircase at one end and a cascading waterfall at the other, the courtyard becomes the central visual anchor of the home.

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A Courtyard That Organizes the Plan

The residence is organized around the open-air courtyard, which effectively divides the plan into two distinct zones.

On one side, the main living spaces and the primary bedroom suite wrap around an expansive infinity-edge pool and rear terrace that overlook the sweeping cityscape. These areas are designed to fully capture the dramatic views toward downtown Los Angeles.

Hillcrest II House by McClean Design, A Contemporary Hillside Estate Framing the Los Angeles Skyline

“The living spaces are oriented to frame the skyline as a constant backdrop,” the design team note. “Every major room opens toward the panorama.”

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On the street-facing side of the courtyard, secondary bedrooms and a private office occupy an elevated position above the road, ensuring privacy while maintaining a sense of openness.

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Spaces for Entertainment and Leisure

Hillcrest II House is designed to accommodate both private living and large-scale entertainment. The program includes a cinema-style theater, an elegant wine tasting room with an adjoining dining space, and a dedicated champagne cellar.

Hillcrest II House by McClean Design, A Contemporary Hillside Estate Framing the Los Angeles Skyline
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Multiple entertainment areas flow seamlessly into one another, creating an environment that supports gatherings, celebrations, and everyday leisure.

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Vehicular access is handled discreetly through a ramp that leads to a large subterranean garage, ensuring the main architectural composition remains uncluttered.

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A Light and Refined Material Palette

The material language of the residence emphasizes brightness and understated sophistication. A palette of pale marble, desaturated wood finishes, and crisp white ceilings creates an atmosphere of calm refinement throughout the interiors.

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Immense walls of glazing dissolve the boundaries between inside and outside, allowing light to flood the living spaces while framing uninterrupted views of the landscape and skyline.

Hillcrest II House by McClean Design A Contemporary Hillside Estate Framing the Los Angeles Skyline 1

“Our intention was to create an interior that feels luminous and serene,” the architects explain. “The restrained palette allows light, water, and views to become the primary design elements.”

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Water as a Defining Architectural Element

Water plays a central role in shaping the sensory experience of the home. In addition to the central courtyard lap pool, the property features an infinity-edge pool overlooking the city and multiple water features integrated throughout the design.

Hillcrest II House by McClean Design, A Contemporary Hillside Estate Framing the Los Angeles Skyline

These reflective surfaces introduce movement, sound, and visual calm, reinforcing the tranquil atmosphere of the residence.

“Water brings both energy and serenity to the architecture,” the team share. “It enhances the connection between the built environment and the surrounding landscape.”

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Through its dramatic courtyard composition, panoramic views, and refined material palette, Hillcrest II House exemplifies the signature approach of McClean Design—creating luxury residences where architecture, landscape, and lifestyle converge.

Perched above the city, the house transforms its remarkable hillside site into an immersive living experience, where light, water, and skyline views define everyday life.

Photo credit: Jim Bartsch; 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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