Thomas Hillside Residence
Hillside Residential Renovation & Addition Study
The Thomas Hillside Residence explores the transformation and expansion of an existing hillside home through a major renovation and residential addition. Located in the Los Angeles foothills, the project studies how new architectural interventions can integrate with steep terrain while improving spatial organization, light access, and outdoor connection.
The proposal introduces new living areas, a basement expansion, and outdoor terraces while maintaining a compact building footprint and preserving landscape continuity.
The Thomas Hillside Residence explores hillside residential design strategies relevant to the foothill communities of Altadena and Pasadena.
The Thomas Hillside Residence also informed our research on rebuilding contemporary homes in Altadena, exploring strategies for fire-resilient hillside residential architecture.
Site + Landscape
The site occupies a steep hillside parcel within the Los Angeles foothill landscape. The design responds directly to the natural slope by introducing stepped floor levels and carefully positioned outdoor terraces.
This approach minimizes grading while allowing the residence to engage the hillside terrain. Circulation between levels is organized to create a sequence of interior and exterior spaces that frame views while maintaining privacy from adjacent properties. The Hillside Residence anchors into the terrain, allowing the architecture to emerge from the slope while framing landscape and sky.
A central courtyard organizes circulation and creates a sheltered outdoor space that moderates wind, light, and temperature.
Project Details
Location
Los Angeles Foothills
Lot Size
13,809 SF
Program
Single-Family Residence
Scope
Major Renovation + Hillside Addition
Residential Floor Area
3,877 SF
Construction Type
Type V-B
Project Overview
The project reimagines an existing single-family residence through a combination of renovation and new construction. The design expands the program while respecting the constraints of hillside development, including slope conditions, zoning limits, and environmental exposure typical of the foothill communities surrounding Los Angeles.
The architectural approach organizes the residence across multiple levels, allowing interior spaces to step with the terrain while maintaining strong connections to outdoor areas and long-distance views.
01 Spatial Organization
The project reorganizes the existing residence through a combination of interior renovation and a new lower-level addition. The design introduces new living areas and supporting spaces while maintaining a clear hierarchy between private bedrooms and shared gathering spaces.
The basement expansion allows the program to grow vertically within the slope rather than expanding the building footprint across the site. This strategy preserves landscape areas while improving spatial efficiency within the home.
02 Fire-Resilient Construction Strategy
Because hillside environments in Southern California face increased wildfire exposure, the design integrates resilient construction strategies aligned with California Wildland Urban Interface requirements.
These strategies include ignition-resistant exterior assemblies, ember-resistant venting, Class-A roofing materials, and tempered glazing systems. Together, these elements improve the long-term durability and safety of hillside residences while maintaining a refined architectural expression.
03 Environmental & Building Performance
The project explores environmentally responsive design strategies appropriate for hillside residential construction. The design incorporates controlled glazing, cross-ventilation opportunities, and careful solar orientation to improve indoor comfort and reduce reliance on mechanical systems.
Additional considerations include water conservation strategies, stormwater management during construction, and compliance with California energy and green building requirements.
04 Project Status
Residential design study exploring the expansion and transformation of an existing hillside residence. The project investigates architectural strategies for hillside construction, resilient materials, and spatial organization across sloped terrain common to the foothill communities surrounding Los Angeles.
Planning a Hillside Home in Pasadena or Altadena?
Methodology Architecture is a Pasadena-based studio specializing in contemporary custom homes, hillside residences, and residential transformations throughout Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, and the San Gabriel Valley.
We work with homeowners to develop thoughtful architectural solutions that respond to site conditions, environmental constraints, and long-term resilience.
Contemporary Custom Homes in the San Gabriel Valley
Methodology Architecture designs contemporary custom homes throughout Pasadena, Altadena, Arcadia, and the San Gabriel Valley. Our work focuses on ground-up residential architecture that balances modern design with careful site integration.