Lago Vista Residential Addition

Construction: 2003-2006
Architect: Aleks Istanbullu Architects
Contractor: Hinerfield-Ward, Inc.

The Lago Vista residential addition is an 855 sq ft standalone addition in the hillside area of Beverly Hills. The addition includes a complete guest house unit (bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen) and a library/living room with a floating glazed corner that offers a sweeping view. The guest house area occupies a shorter volume connected by a glazed bridge to the taller library volume. Two wrap-around skylights/windows allow the sunlight to caress down the bookshelves, filling the tall volume with light. The addition is regularly used by the owners, the Markovits family, as an onsite retreat to appreciate their arts and architectural book collection and their terraced garden.

On the exterior, the addition features cement panels cut in angles and installed with concealed fasteners with colors selected and composed by the graphic designer/owner, Dorrie Markovits, during construction. A new carport acts as the buffer zone and establishes a new primary entrance to the property.

Acting as the Senior Project Manager for the General Contractor, Yi-Hsiu Yeh was responsible for all site logistics, qualifying all subcontractors, controlling the schedule, the cost, and the quality of work, advising, and overseeing the execution of all architectural details.

Special thanks to Dorrie and Paul Markovits for all their patience and support during the construction. Designed by Dorrie, new reflecting ponds were added after the building’s completion. They can be seen at https://ai-architects.com/project_single/hillside-home-hollywood-hills-la-5/

All photos here are considered construction photos and have been taken by Yi-Hsiu Yeh during the regular site visits, 2-4 times/week.