Sunset Strip House by McClean Design, A Sculptural Hillside Estate Bridging Water, Light, and Panoramic Views
Architecture Design of Sunset Strip House
Description About The Project
Explore Sunset Strip House by McClean Design—an iconic Los Angeles hillside estate featuring water-linked pavilions, a dramatic double-height living room, an infinity pool terrace, wellness amenities, and sweeping views of the LA Basin and Pacific Ocean.
The Project “Sunset Strip House” Information:
- Project Name: Sunset Strip House
- Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Designed by: McClean Design
- Interior Design: Nile Niami; McKillen Development
A Dramatic Arrival Sequence Framed by Nature and Architecture
Set just minutes above the legendary Sunset Strip, this residence by McClean Design balances urban proximity with complete tranquility. A gated driveway—anchored by a dedicated guard house—creates a sense of exclusivity from the very first moment. As the gate opens, a manicured hedge-lined path leads visitors toward a central drive court, framed symmetrically by the main residence, a glazed-through garage, and an independent guest house.
Architect Paul McClean describes the intention of this sequence: “We wanted the arrival to feel choreographed—like a gradual reveal where architecture, landscape, and water guide you inward.”
All three structures are tied together by a linear water feature that draws the eye toward pools and spas positioned at both ends, setting a visual axis that becomes the home’s organizing spine.
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An Entry Wrapped in Glass and Art
Approaching the main house, guests follow the water’s edge up a sculpted stair to a glass-lined entry hall open on three sides. This threshold not only brings California light deep into the interior but also serves as a curated art moment with space reserved for a dramatic focal piece.
From here, the chrome-and-stone main stair rises to the upper level, while the plan opens into a suite of interconnected living spaces. To one side, the dining room overlooks the water feature. To the other, suede-wrapped doors lead into a library/media room. In this space, a unique dual-sided projection system allows the same film to be viewed from both the interior and the adjoining private garden.
McClean explains: “The house is designed to dissolve boundaries—between inside and outside, between simple rooms and social environments.”
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A Two-Story Living Pavilion Open to the Horizon
The heart of the home is its spectacular double-height living room, oriented toward sweeping views of the Los Angeles Basin and the ocean beyond. This space integrates a bar, a glass-fronted wine cellar, and a long see-through fireplace that connects visually to the family room on the opposite side.
The kitchen and family room are more intimately scaled, appearing to hover directly over the water feature. From here, the view extends past the transparent garage all the way to the guest house, creating a sense of continuity across the entire property. Floor-to-ceiling glass opens toward the backyard, where a covered dining area meets a dramatic terraced deck below the infinity pool.
“We imagined the terrace as an outdoor room for gatherings,” the architect adds. “It needed to feel expansive but still connected to the water and the hillside.”
The terrace includes a long fire feature, generous seating, and panoramic views, making it ideal for entertaining.
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Lower-Level Retreats, Wellness, and Light-Filled Suites
Below the main floor, two large bedroom suites each open onto private outdoor spaces. Across a landscaped courtyard sits the gym and wellness center—a space defined by sliding glass walls that erase boundaries with the mild California climate.
On the upper level, a gallery overlooks both the living room below and the water feature outside. The master suite occupies the premier position, surrounded by automatic sliding glass panels that open the space directly to a private deck with the home’s most breathtaking view. Dual bathrooms and large dressing areas complete the suite. Two additional upper-level bedrooms each feature walk-in closets and en-suite baths.
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A Fully Independent Guest House and a Warm Modern Palette
Across the drive court, the guest house functions as its own residence with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, dining area, living room, and dedicated services. The material palette throughout the estate blends polished stone with warm wood detailing. Italian fixtures shape all kitchens and bathrooms, while bronzed aluminum frames the expanses of glazing.
McClean summarizes the architectural vision: “Our goal was to craft a refuge—modern, warm, and deeply connected to the landscape—while giving each part of the house its own sense of identity.”
Photo credit: Jim Bartsch | 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
More Projects in United States here:
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- DJ Avicii Hollywood Home in Los Angeles by McClean Design
- KFA Residence in Bel Air, California by Landry Design Group
- Laurel Way Modern Home Concept, Beverly Hills by McClean Design
- Amazing Design Concept of Sunset Plaza Mansion by CLR Design Group
