Amidst the vibrant landscape of Los Angeles’ Brentwood neighborhood lies a masterfully restored mid-century modern residence that elegantly blends historical design with today’s aesthetic sensibilities. Originally crafted in 1963, this home has undergone a thoughtful transformation under the guidance of designer and developer Jordan Bakva. His vision for the property draws significantly from the iconic Case Study Houses, ensuring that while the home meets modern needs, it pays homage to a revolutionary era in architectural design.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Jordan Bakva
Location: Brentwood, Los Angeles
Design Inspiration: Case Study Houses
Original Construction Year: 1963
Renovation Focus: Historical preservation and modern integration
The Case Study Houses, designed between 1945 and 1966, were groundbreaking for their time. They sought to offer affordable elegance in housing, appealing to the post-war American family. Pioneers like Charles and Ray Eames, Richard Neutra, and Pierre Koenig appeared at the helm of this architectural revolution, emphasizing open floor plans, the fusion of indoor and outdoor spaces, and utilizing new materials. These principles are evident in the revitalized Park Lane home, which maintains historical integrity while embracing future-facing design.
Jordan Bakva’s restoration project emphasizes the preservation of the home’s significant historical features, steering clear of erasure and instead opting for amplification. The efforts focused on maintaining aspects like the kidney-shaped pool, the appealing brick façade, and the terrazzo-lined entrance, viewing them as revered artifacts rather than relics of a bygone era. Rather than replace the iconic sunken tub in the primary bathroom, Bakva revitalized it with Ceppo marble and micro-cement finishes, intertwining the past with present appeal.
A sense of serenity underscores the ambiance of the residence. This atmosphere of warmth and relaxation mirrors Bakva’s vision of creating an environment suited for both unwinding and socializing. Highlighting this tranquility is the home’s profound connection to its surrounding nature, visible from every room. With expansive walls of pocketing doors, the boundary between indoors and out becomes virtually nonexistent, inviting the lush outdoors into the living spaces and creating seamless indoor-outdoor living.
This revitalized abode spans 3,488 square feet and thoughtfully distributes space across its levels. The layout includes four bedrooms, with the primary suite among them, strategically placed on one side of the house, while an additional bedroom stands apart, cleverly adapted as a home office. Public areas such as the formal living room, equipped with a drop-down projector, a casual lounge featuring a wet bar, and a cozy seating nook at the entrance are complemented by an open dining area adjacent to the kitchen. These elements come together harmoniously, merging modern functionality with a nostalgic nod to mid-century origins.
Bakva’s reimagining of the Park Lane house represents a meticulous balance between honoring historical significance and accommodating contemporary living needs. This home tells a compelling story of how timeless design can be sympathetically updated to meet today’s lifestyle demands, without losing sight of its original philosophical roots. The residence stands as an enduring testament to an era that transformed residential architecture, and a celebration of modern design. For more insights into this artistic renovation and vision, further details can be accessed through Jordan Bakva’s official website.
