415 Mesa Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90402

This Santa Monica Canyon haven invokes a sense of nostalgia and harmony with nature in its purest, undiluted form; a masterful transformation by LAs very own David Hertz FAIA, the widely acclaimed pioneer in sustainability and the use of recycled building materials. The famed architect was tasked with the creation of a contemporary tree-house oasis, and the Venice/Malibu native delivered. Hidden beneath a canopy of trees that shroud the property from the street, this masterwork portfolio case study is adorned with sustainably harvested tropical hardwoods and emphasizes natural ventilation principles for an energy-efficient build. Natural sunlight slowly moves across interior surfaces, welcomed inside by oversize clerestory and picture windows, skylights, and pocket doors to maximize an easy indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Custom wood details can be found in every room, from vaulted mahogany ceilings in the living room to the cabinets and open shelving of the custom Poliform kitchen. Even the staircase to the second level is a statement piece, itself a fusion of more than 600 individual planks resulting in a striking visual display. The primary wing is designed to inspire calm, rest, and rejuvenation with its warm woods, smooth stones, and panes of glass. The luxe organic bathroom has two stone-basin vanities separated by a double rainwater shower, French doors to the outside, and pedestal soaking tub and continues to an open custom wardrobe. Radiant heating has been installed in th