The clients lived in a 1950s bungalow on a lush half-acre site in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. We determined early on that a remodel/addition would not meet their needs, so we began the plans for a new house. The resulting design negotiates tricky setback requirements and a hillside ordinance that required a 200-foot long retaining wall. The wall evolved to become part of the architecture, encompassing a water feature and built-in furniture, and creating a large outdoor room. A 20-foot pocket sliding door opens to the yard, while the fully glazed prow-like corner of the building captures views up the canyon. Ultimately the numerous challenges and lengthy permitting period dissuaded the owners from building the project.