Mister Modern
Author:Lindsey ShookLuis Fernandez ushers a Sherman Oaks mid-century poolscape into the future
Nestled in the hills of Sherman Oaks sat a mid-century modern ranch house with overwhelming valley views and lackluster outdoor spaces. Fortunately, the homeowners, who love poolside entertaining, followed protean designer Luis Fernandez and were taken by his signature clean, functional and future-forward modernist style. After watching his work from afar they were compelled to hire his team to dream up a new vibe. “The pool area and patios were not laid out properly to host bigger events,” Fernandez recalls. “The flow of the spaces didn’t work out. There was no easily accessible bathroom or continuity of spaces to create the ultimate inside/outside California lifestyle.”
Photos by David Zimmerman.
They wanted the lot to feel more open while also designing intimate spaces with varying functionality, in addition to building a spa area that was not exposed. “Through careful rethinking and terracing the site, we created versatile spaces and made room for pool gatherings to be more theatrical,” he notes. “We achieved a complete transformation of the pool and exterior areas by adding dining terraces, a shaded entry loggia and adjacent interior spaces, including a pool bathroom.” To complement the home’s flagstaff stone walls and mid-century bones, the team installed neutral terrazzos, textured concretes and custom-designed laser-cut decorative pattern screens that showcase Fernandez’s architectural training and love of geometric patterns. “The screens create shadow-play while the monochromatic playful Brasilia-inspired blue-and-white encaustic tile wall serves as the anchor and focal point across the pool, recalling the Brazilian heritage of one of the clients,” he remarks.
Fernandez rethought the landscape and surrounding hills by adding sculptural succulents, hedges, textured ground cover and olive trees in order to support the new design. “We commissioned a special outdoor sculpture by Michelle Bickford that serves as a focal point on the terrace and is perfectly framed by the breezy loggia, which serves as the guest entrance.”
Now the home is complete with a perfect outdoor oasis for the busy couple. “They were ecstatic with the finished spaces and have been incredibly complimentary,” Fernandez celebrates. “It was particularly touching that they invited me to a recent unveiling party and kept introducing me to all their friends as the guy that made the transformation happen.”
