In a compelling journey of resilience and creativity, esteemed architect Andrew Liang crafted the home at 5819 Cazaux in Los Feliz. A masterpiece of contemporary design, the estate is now offered for sale by The Agency’s Architecture Director, William Baker.
In a near decade-long timeframe from conception to completion, Liang infused the three-level, 4-bed, 3.5-bath home with his unique vision and meticulous attention to detail. Today, Andrew describes the home’s aesthetic in simple yet powerful terms: “Contemporary, sensuous, tactile and bold.” Not surprisingly, the design world has taken notice; 5819 Cazaux is currently under consideration for four different industry awards.
As the Founder and Creative Director of Liang Architecture Bureau+ (LAB+), Liang’s expertise and commitment to thoughtful, tranquil design shines through every part of the estate. Join us as we explore the inspirations, challenges, and distinctive features of this exceptional home in a Q&A with Andrew Liang.
As its architect and designer, what kind of atmosphere or feeling did you want to achieve in this home?
I wanted to create an atmosphere that was at once relaxing, ritualistic, contemplative and tranquil.
This home is located in Los Feliz, what features or elements make it unique within this market?
The home is nestled into an uphill lot in the Oaks neighborhood of the Hollywood Hills, adjacent Los Feliz. It’s located at the end of a short street with incredible privacy. While it’s exceptionally serene, it does not pose any access challenges—no small and difficult-to-navigate streets here. It also has an expansive 240-degree view of the surrounding hills, which encompass the Hollywood sign.
What are some of this home’s most interesting or unusual green or sustainable features?
The central atrium is not only a source of natural light but also a ventilation and cooling device. The home is designed to take advantage of the southwest-to-northeast wind and together with the central atrium the house can be passively cooled during the warmer months. Mechanical heating and cooling of the home are managed by a dual-stage hydronic, micro-zoned system powered by two heat pumps. An 8-kW rooftop solar system supplies the electrical needs of the house during the day and feeds unused generated power back to the utility grid.
What is your favorite space within this home, and why?
Every space has its own unique identity and quality. Some spaces feature spectacular views, some promote gathering and socializing, while others embrace private and contemplative moments. The entry sequence where visitors are first introduced to the intermediary interior/exterior atrium space is perhaps the most surprise-filled moment of the home.
Can you highlight any unique architectural features of the home that set it apart from other properties in the Hollywood Hills? And how do these features enhance the everyday living experience?
The site’s natural orientation allows the home to take full advantage of the changing sun orientations throughout the day and the sweeping views of the surrounding hills and canyon. Architectural concrete construction with a vertical board-form finish provides robust structural and tactile aesthetic qualities. This is contrasted and complemented with an ensemble of natural materials. A centrally located glass atrium is a principal design element that provides ventilation and is a kaleidoscope that channels ever-changing natural light into the interior spaces throughout the day. A cantilevered concrete roof shades a large glass-corner sliding door system as a formally defining design feature of the home.
Are there any special outdoor living spaces or landscaping elements designed to complement the home’s sustainable features?
Outdoor living spaces consist of a main dining patio on the second floor with infrastructure ready for an outdoor kitchen, a private patio off the main bedroom suite with a fire feature, and an olive tree alley along the entirety of the home on the third floor.
To learn more about this home or to arrange a private tour, contact William Baker.
