Trousdale House: Between Sky and Clifftop

Envisioned by the client as a stage for the big conversations and a setting for private salons, Trousdale House was designed by Donaldson+Partners as a place for contemplation and introspection in Beverly Hills.

Embedded in the site’s topography

Set among clifftop flora on a two-acre parcel in Trousdale Estates, Beverly Hills, the home has commanding views of downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.

The undulating site gave Donaldson a chance to continue the studio’s exploration of the point where topography and architecture meet – a stylistic hallmark already seen in projects such as Hill House in Montecito and Endless Summer House, currently under construction near Santa Barbara.

Seen from the long driveway – acquired by purchasing the adjacent lot – the building initially appears deceptively restrained: an articulated, cantilevered roof over a carefully proportioned mass. The full extent reveals itself in plan: a V-shaped home that branches off from a central point, digs into the ground, and embraces the surrounding landscape to become part of it. The two wings of the V cover 2,000 m².

Designed for entertaining and well-being

On the main level, the spacious living area and master bedroom are organized around a central courtyard with a pool. Designed as the plan’s versatile pivot point, the kitchen can be closed off for entertaining or opened to optimize flow between the entrance, corridor, dining room, and living room.

The lower level is handed over to entertainment and wellness, with a bar, a 24-seat cinema, spa, and gym arranged around a partially sunken courtyard, which brings natural light inside.

Adding to the sophistication and elegance, key elements – including a stairway, a section of the façade, and a sculptural extension near the pool – have been finished in bronze tones.

Trousdale House: Art meets sculptural precision

The exterior façade is defined by faceted panels that give the structure a sculptural depth and a distinctive angular precision. This aesthetic continues inside, with fractal-inspired sculptures, produced in collaboration with the Based Upon art collective, on display at several key points across the home.

And art plays an important role throughout the residence. The client’s collection, which includes pieces by Helen Frankenthaler and Jenny Yuskavage, has been carefully placed to bring lightness and color to each space.

Complementing the project’s geometric precision, interior designers Nicole Hollis and Joan Behnke selected a palette rich in neutral materials, custom furnishings, and a balance of rhythm and harmony, making Trousdale House a residence where sculptural architecture coexists with a welcoming atmosphere.

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