A Los Angeles Home Where Nature Becomes Architecture
Obsidian House blends architecture with nature in a stunning design.
1Living in Harmony with Nature
Located in Studio City, Obsidian House blurs the boundaries between architecture and landscape. The 5,550-square-foot home features a striking 24-foot indoor planter as its centerpiece. Large glazing panels and sliding doors allow natural light and greenery to permeate the interior spaces. The design creates a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living areas.
2Thoughtful Material Selection
The home incorporates raw, tactile materials like charred wood, lava stone, and limestone. These materials were chosen for their ability to develop visual richness over time. Textured finishes add depth and warmth while being suited to the Southern California climate. The design team prioritized both durability and natural aesthetics in their material choices.
3A Dramatic Color Story
Departing from Southern California's typical bright hues, Obsidian House features deep charcoals and muted wood tones. This palette creates a quiet drama, balanced by limestone accents and layered greenery. Material selections were carefully considered to complement the surrounding environment. The result is a space that feels both contemporary and rooted in its natural setting.
4Landscape as Architecture
Studio Elico's Eli Bahar designed the landscape to be integral to the architecture. Vegetation and landscape elements refine the home's sculptural forms. Planter locations, tree placements, and circulation paths were coordinated to extend the architectural experience. Bahar explains, 'We designed every space to be experienced as one unified environment rather than separate disciplines.'
5Functional Yet Artistic Details
The home features thoughtful details like a floating sink and a floor-to-ceiling mirrored window that incorporates greenery. The open-plan kitchen flows seamlessly into dining and lounge areas. A dedicated media room provides intimate retreat space. Outdoor patios create harmonious transitions between interior and exterior living spaces.
6Spaces That Dance with Light
Architect Avi Galili emphasizes how the home interacts with changing light throughout the day. Spaces create dramatic effects through proportion and materiality rather than spectacle. Galili notes, 'It's easy to create dramatic architecture by adding more, but much harder through restraint.' Nature becomes an experiential part of daily life rather than just a view.
7An 18-Month Labor of Precision
The Obsidian House project took 18 months from conception to completion. The two-level residence includes five bedrooms and six baths. The design team created a serene atmosphere using natural materials, filtered light, and water features. Designer Shlomi Sfadia states, 'The goal was for visitors to immediately feel like they're on vacation.'
8An Urban Oasis
Obsidian House offers a retreat from Los Angeles' bustling city life. The integration of interiors, architecture, and landscape design creates a stunning oasis for Southern California living. The design makes nature an integral part of daily experience, blending modern comforts with organic elements. It's a home that reveals itself gradually rather than all at once.