A subtle and understated 2010 take on the massing of the 50's, this 1500 s.f. home relies on four levels to get its program packed in. We were able to get a spectacular roof top deck that has 180 degree views of the San Gabriel mountains as well as a window wall that looks into 100 year old oaks that shade the interior from the westerly sun. In an unusual twist, the existing trees dictated the footprint of the design. Two of those trees forced the great room, stairway and master bedroom (with the deck on top) to wrap around three sides of an exterior court that holds those oaks. To keep the concrete foundation away from the roots of those same oaks the master bedroom/deck is carried on a massive single concrete pier 10' above the soil. A "heartfelt" design on my part to be sure.