Los Angeles has a reputation for sprawling urban developments interconnected via an endless network of freeways that weave through the city. Advances in civilization and urbanization have its benefits, but it does come at a cost to its original natural surroundings. Tackling a unique site characterized by its remote feeling and mature trees, despite being surrounded by dense urban development, Anonymous Architects decided to work with nature, not against it when designing the House in Trees.
The project floats over the steep hillside of Echo Park, CA, and avoided removing mature Cypress trees surrounding the house, preserving its natural surrounding. This even meant having a tree grow through the house, while cantilevering of the house allowed the owners to preserve as much native yard space as possible for planting. The wood theme continues onto the house, with heavy use of wood — both inside and outside — to blend into the wooded environment.
The interior is divided into two separate units, with the main part designed for a family of four and another self-contained one bedroom unit that could be used as an office or entertainment area. The two areas are separated by an outdoor breezeway, but can easily be incorporated into one with a set of sliding doors.