Living spaces are organised around a decades-old olive tree in this Santa Monica home, completed by Los Angeles studio Woods +Dangaran.

Woods + Dangaran designed both the architecture and interiors for the dwelling, named Twentieth, which is shortlisted in the house interior category in the Dezeen Awards 2022.

Home to a couple and their three young children, the three-storey house is designed to be practical for day-to-day family life, but also able to host parties and gatherings.

Living spaces are organised around a courtyard where the old olive tree can be found, while a generous rear garden provides an opportunity for lounging and dining to extend outdoors.

"Twentieth delicately balances the opposing priorities of creating a sophisticated, entertainment-oriented home, and one that would be comfortable for a growing family with three young children," said Woods + Dangaran.

"The result is a truly modern home."

The house is primarily built from white brick, which is exposed both inside and out to offer a bright and textural feel.

These brick surfaces are punctured by generous glazing. Sliding glass doors span entire walls, while windows typically extend from floor to ceiling.

Twentieth's ground floor has a U-shape, creating space for living rooms on both sides of the courtyard.

The first, located close to the entrance, is the more formal entertaining space. It features a grand yet minimal travertine fireplace, custom-made sofas and a solid walnut bar.

The second living space, located on the opposite side of the courtyard, has a more comfortable feel. Four club chairs with swivel bases are organised around a polished stone coffee table.

"Wide, open doors to both the courtyard and the backyard make this an ideal room for the family to gather and connect at the end of the day," said Woods + Dangaran.

The family dining room sits in between these two living spaces so that it also flanks the courtyard, while the kitchen is located just beyond.

Four double bedrooms are located on Twentieth's upper level, including a main bedroom that opens out to a roof terrace and is designed to feel "very plush".

It features a large custom bed, designed to slot into a recess in the wood-panelled wall, along with a vintage Venini chandelier and a Cassina lounge chair and ottoman.

"The primary suite is an oasis compared to the rest of the home," said the studio.

"The suite opens onto a private balcony overlooking the backyard, creating the perfect getaway within this busy household."

Accompanying this room is an en-suite crafted from a dark grey stone animated by streaks of white – the same marble that features in the kitchen downstairs.

The house also has a basement level, providing two guest bedrooms, a playroom for the children, a home cinema and a study where the owners can work from home.

Woods + Dangaran is led by architects Brett Woods and Joe Dangaran and typically works on home build and renovation projects in California and beyond.

The studio recently renovated a mid-century modern home in LA that will compete against Twentieth in the home interior category of Dezeen Awards.

Woods + Dangaran said the ambition behind Twentieth was to elevate it "from custom, new-build to bespoke forever home".

Its design is completed by characterful vintage furnishings and custom details, including Mehraban silk shag rugs, brass fixtures, leather armchairs and fleece-upholstered bar stools.

"Punches of color like deep avocado and salmon, along with many varied textures, provide contrast throughout the home and elegantly maintain the modern aesthetic," concluded the studio.

The photography is by Joe Fletcher.