Williams I House by McClean Design, A Marble-Clad Entertaining Pavilion Above Los Angeles
Architecture Design of Williams I House
Description About The Project
Perched on a prestigious Trousdale lot, Williams I House by McClean Design is a refined modern residence defined by white marble, silver detailing, dramatic courtyards, and expansive glass walls that frame sweeping city-to-ocean views while creating a home designed for sophisticated entertaining.
The Project “Williams I House” Information:
- Project Name: Williams I House
- Location: Beverly Hills, California, United States
- Designed by: McClean Design
- Interior Design: Yvonne Niami
Architecture Shaped by View, Material, and Entertaining
Set high above Los Angeles on a coveted Trousdale parcel, Williams I House by McClean Design is conceived as an elevated entertaining retreat—one where material precision, light, and panoramic views converge into a carefully orchestrated architectural experience. From the outset, the house announces its identity through a restrained yet luxurious palette of white marble and silver-toned trim, materials that reflect the brightness of the California sky while lending the architecture a quiet sense of permanence.
“This project began with materiality,” McClean Design shared with Luxury Houses Magazine. “White marble became both the visual anchor and the emotional tone of the house—elegant, luminous, and timeless.”
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Arrival as a Moment of Compression and Release
Accessed from a cul-de-sac, the entry sequence is intentionally discreet. A restricted approach leads into an intimate motor court, where a water feature softens the transition from street to home. From here, a stone-framed entry reveals an unexpected vertical moment—glimpses down into the illuminated basement below—hinting at the layered spatial experience within.
Vehicular access is handled via a ramp descending to a generous underground garage, allowing the main level to remain visually uncluttered and firmly oriented toward views and outdoor living.
“We wanted arrival to feel controlled and calm,” the architects explained. “That sense of compression makes the release into the open living spaces and views even more powerful.”
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A Main Level That Dissolves into Landscape
With limited area available on the primary floor—while still accommodating a rear yard and pool—the design relies on extensive sliding glass walls that fully retract. These openings dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior, allowing the living spaces to flow directly into the outdoor areas.
As a result, the house appears to hover above the city, with sweeping vistas unfolding from nearly every main living space. The sense of being perched is amplified by the seamless connection between glass, terrace, and horizon.
“Glass here is not just a material, it’s an instrument,” noted McClean Design. “It allows the house to breathe and positions daily life within the view itself.”
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A Courtyard as the Home’s Luminous Core
At the heart of the interior, marble walls frame a glazed courtyard that becomes both a visual and atmospheric anchor. Within this courtyard, a sculptural water feature and a dramatic tree introduce nature into the core of the home, visible from multiple rooms across both levels.
This internal landscape brings light deep into the plan while establishing a constant dialogue between water, stone, and greenery. Spaces surrounding the courtyard are carefully programmed to benefit from this interplay, creating moments of reflection and calm amid the home’s social energy.
“The courtyard allowed us to bring light, water, and nature into places that would otherwise be purely internal,” the studio shared. “It becomes a point of orientation for the entire house.”
Designed First and Foremost for Entertaining
True to its hillside setting and client brief, Williams I House is primarily designed as an entertaining residence. The main level features a bar and lounge that flow effortlessly into outdoor spaces, creating a continuous environment for hosting.
Below, the basement expands the entertainment program with an immersive media and lounge area, complemented by a wine room, theater, and a curated car display. Despite being below grade, these spaces remain visually connected to light and water through the courtyard and carefully positioned glazing.
“Entertainment spaces should never feel secondary,” McClean Design emphasized. “Even at the lower level, light and visual interest were essential.”
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Private Spaces Framed by Views
Beyond the social zones, the home also accommodates secondary bedrooms, an office, a gym, and wellness facilities. The primary suite is located on the main level, tucked toward the end of the primary view corridor. This placement enhances privacy while allowing the living spaces to fully capitalize on wraparound city and ocean views.
The result is a clear hierarchy: public spaces open wide to the panorama, while private areas enjoy a more controlled relationship with the landscape.
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A Refined Expression of Trousdale Modernism
Williams I House by McClean Design exemplifies a sophisticated approach to contemporary luxury living in Los Angeles. Through disciplined material choices, carefully choreographed light, and an unwavering focus on entertaining, the home transforms its Trousdale setting into a serene yet dynamic architectural statement.
As featured by Luxury Houses, this residence stands as a testament to McClean Design’s ability to balance restraint and drama—crafting homes that feel both architecturally precise and deeply livable.
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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