Case Study-Inspired Revival in the Heart of Los Angeles


Set in the heart of Los Angeles’ Brentwood neighborhood, a meticulously restored mid-century home bridges the gap between its storied design lineage and contemporary aesthetics. Originally built in 1963, the Park Lane home was nearly hidden by its overgrown landscape. Spearheaded by designer and developer Jordan Bakva, the reimagining drew inspiration from the city’s celebrated Case Study Houses, honoring original features while seamlessly integrating modern materials and spatial strategies.

A modern, single-story house with a flat roof, wood and white exterior, front yard landscaping, and outdoor lighting at dusk.

The Case Study Houses, conceived between 1945 and 1966, represented a groundbreaking vision: to create affordable, beautiful housing that could be replicated for post-war American families. Architects like Charles and Ray Eames, Richard Neutra, and Pierre Koenig transformed residential design, championing open floor plans, integration with landscape, and innovative materials that celebrated function and form.

A living room with a white brick fireplace, modern decor, brown sofa, wooden coffee table, and contemporary artwork on the walls. A plant is in a vase on the table.

Bakva goes onto say, “I wanted the atmosphere to feel relaxed, warm and almost calming – a place where you can equally unwind and recharge or entertain and explore. This was achieved primarily through a deep connection to nature, visible from every room. Expansive walls of pocketing doors allow for seamless indoor-outdoor living, further enhancing that connection.”

Modern kitchen with a large island featuring a dark marble countertop, wooden barstools, and light wood cabinetry. A painting and greenery are in the background, under natural light.

Bakva’s approach channeled this pioneering spirit. Where lesser designers might have erased the home’s historical traces, he instead chose to amplify its original dialogue. The kidney-shaped pool, brick exterior, and terrazzo entry – elements that could have been dismissed as dated – became architectural artifacts to be understood and celebrated. A prime example is the primary bathroom’s original sunken tub. Rather than replace it, Bakva refreshed the feature with Ceppo marble and hand-finished micro-cement walls, creating a nod to its origins without compromising relevance.

A modern kitchen with marble countertops, wooden cabinets, open shelving, a built-in oven, and a central island with a bowl of lemons.

Modern kitchen with a green marble island, wooden cabinets, bar stools, and stainless steel appliances.

A dining room with a wooden table, six chairs, a vase with flowers, a large round pendant light, a wall painting, and a glass door leading to an outdoor area with a table and chairs.

Dining room with a wooden table, five chairs, a large round light fixture, a tall plant, and a colorful abstract painting.

Comprising 3,488 square feet, four bedrooms, including the primary suite, line one side of the residence, while the fifth sits opposite, serving as an office. Public areas, such as a formal living room with a drop-down projector, a lounge with a wet bar, a seating nook in the entry, and an open dining space near the kitchen, complete a layout designed for contemporary living while preserving the home’s mid-century spirit.

A modern living room with a grand piano, contemporary furniture, large glass doors, and a view of greenery.

A modern living room with a brown sofa, two black chairs, a coffee table with plants, and wooden walls. A hallway leads to an open door in the background.

A modern interior with wooden walls, a bench with a cushion, a painting, and a side table with books. Shelving on the right and a rug on the floor complete the room.

Interior with white brick wall, abstract painting, two wooden-framed chairs, and a dark, cylindrical vase.

A modern bedroom with a large abstract painting, armchair, floor lamp, and vanity next to a window.

A wooden sideboard with books and a vase is set against a wood-paneled wall, featuring an abstract painting and decorative wall lights.

A modern bedroom with a double bed, two brown chairs, a glass table, and a large window overlooking a garden.

A modern living room with wooden storage cabinets, two dark chairs, and glass-topped tables. A sliding glass door opens to a patio with outdoor furniture and a view of greenery.

Modern bedroom with a wooden wall feature, blue bedspread, brown chairs, glass coffee table, large plant, and a white, abstract pendant light fixture.

A modern bathroom with a long vanity, three mirrors, and beige cabinets. A vase with flowers sits on the counter, and a single chair is positioned in front of the vanity.

For more information, visit jordanbakva.com.

Photography by Evan Ramzi.



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