Obsidian House brings nature to the architecture of an LA home

In Studio City, a Los Angeles neighborhood known for its combination of privacy and greenery, lies a contemporary haven. Here, the architecture, landscape and interiors were devised to enhance the connection between nature and residential space. Designed by Shlomi Sfadia of SLS properties with architecture from p. Galileo and landscape design by Elico Studiothe house evokes the feeling of a private retreat—despite being a full-time residence.

A two-level home with approximately 5,550 square feet of interior space, Obsidian House was designed to maximize the relationship between interior living and the surrounding landscape. Its impressive kitchen is supported by a striking 24-foot long indoor planter, while the open plan main living area flows seamlessly between the kitchen, dining room and living room. Large windows and sliding doors enhance the spatial flow of the home, allowing natural light and greenery to extend deep into the interior.

For Sfadia, the 24-foot planter shaped the early stages of the design process. “I wanted nature to be more than something you look at through a window; I wanted it to be part of the architecture itself,” he says. “It became the heart of the house, enhancing the feeling of living in a garden rather than just next to one.” Once the central planter was created, it influenced every subsequent design decision.

In direct contrast to the bright hues that characterize Southern California properties, Obsidian House’s color story aptly reflects its name. Deep charcoals and soft wood tones lend the residence a calm drama, while limestone and layered greenery add vibrancy and warmth. The palette creates depth and permanence, complemented by rich materials and textured finishes that match the surrounding climate.

The charred wood paneling, lava stone, limestone and textured finishes were chosen for their raw, tactile qualities, helping to connect the home to its natural surroundings. Prioritizing the materials’ durability and ability to develop visual richness over time, the design team chose organic finishes and climate-appropriate materials.

“Throughout the day, the house changes with the light,” says Sfadia. “It’s a house that reveals itself over time, rather than all at once.”

Elico Studio Founder Eli Bahar led the landscape design, helping transform the home into a welcoming oasis where nature isn’t just decorative, but seamlessly extends into the architecture. Vegetation and landscape elements are woven throughout the property, enhancing the sculptural forms of the home and contributing to the sensory dialogue of the space.

Bahar says the collaboration between p. Galileo and SLS properties has been continuous since the early stages of the project. “We carefully coordinated planter positions, tree placements, views, lighting and traffic so that the landscape becomes an extension of the architecture,” he explains. “Each space was designed to be experienced as a single environment rather than separate disciplines.”

The challenge was to create impact through atmosphere and material consistency rather than spectacle. From conception to completion, the project took 18 months, resulting in a two-level residence with five bedrooms and six bathrooms.

Obsidian House prioritizes fluidity and connection through its open living spaces. Outdoor terraces create a seamless dialogue between outdoor and indoor spaces, while the kitchen’s indoor planter transforms a functional environment into a living tableau. Equipped with a floating sink and a mirror set into a floor-to-ceiling window, the powder room incorporates greenery directly into its material composition. A dedicated media room adds a sense of quiet intimacy to the home.

The transitions throughout the house, from the intimate spaces to the light-filled courtyards, were designed by Avi Galili with great intent. “I’m very proud of the restraint,” he says. “It’s easy to create dramatic architecture by adding more, but much more difficult to create it through proportion, materiality and carefully choreographed spaces.” Architecture creates moments where nature is not observed from a distance but experienced as part of everyday life.

Together, the interiors, architecture and landscape design create a stunning oasis for Southern California living, creating a peaceful retreat from the surrounding city. From the moment of arrival, natural materials, filtered light, water and lush planting create an immediate sense of calm. As Sfadia says: “If someone walks in and immediately feels like they’re on vacation without knowing exactly why, then the design has done its job.”