$28 Million ‘Pavilion’ House in Los Angeles Boasts ‘Once-in-a-Generation’ Design—and a Sunken Conversation Pit

A new architectural showpiece has come to the market in Los Angeles—offering the chance to own a "once-in-a-generation" design with unique interconnected living spaces that are both vast and cozy all at the same time.

The recently-completed estate at 12309 Viewcrest Road, which is listed for $28 million, is being referred to as the "pavilion" mansion, thanks to its uniquely-designed layout that is made up of "a series of pavilions," each of which flows effortlessly into the next.

Located in the heart of Studio City, the striking contemporary residence was conceived by Koffka/Phakos Design to blend dramatic scale with organic finishes. The result is a sprawling compound defined by hemlock-clad vaulted ceilings, imported stone surfaces, and designer lighting.

Offering close to 10,000 square feet of space across those three structures, the property features seven bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, as well as several expansive communal spaces, including a living room with a unique sunken conversation pit that adds a retro touch to the otherwise-modern design.

But while the majority of the home's appeal lies in its groundbreaking design, it also offers another feature that so many Los Angeles properties boast: ties to Hollywood, having first been designed by former producer Doug Prochilo, who has since pivoted to a career in architecture.

“The home came from the visionary mind of Doug Prochilo, a writer and director making a name for himself as a top builder and architectural designer in Los Angeles,” explains listing agent Ernie Carswell with Sotheby's International Realty.

“With the help of Koffka/Phakos Design, he transformed this lot into a statement estate in Studio City.”

The extraordinary design that now sits on the one-acre parcel was built on the foundations of a former dwelling, which was originally competed in 1938. But while the new abode offers every kind of modern luxury a wealthy buyer could hope for, it also pays homage to a time gone by.

"A once-in-a-generation California modern architectural compound spanning over a lushly landscaped acre where scale, design and privacy converge to achieve an extraordinary level of luxury and sophistication in a peaceful setting in the Studio City foothills," the listing crows.

Built with both aesthetics and durability in mind, the residence incorporates a range of fire-resistant materials, including pre-burned wood from Nokamoto Forestry finished with a protective layer of Shou Sugi Ban cladding and topped with a fire-resistant metal roof.

Inside, the home feels built for entertainment. A 400-square-foot sunken conversation pit sits alongside a seven-seat bar, making large-scale hosting seem effortless.

The compound also features a fully equipped guest house with its own kitchen and living room, as well as a gym and built-in sauna.

“There are four kitchens on the estate, in addition to the custom built-in BBQ bar and pizza oven outdoors,” says Carswell.

The main kitchen serves as both a functional workspace and an architectural centerpiece, featuring dual islands topped with honed quartzite selected for its heat- and stain-resistant properties. Custom oak cabinetry by Corston Architectural and a built-in designer breakfast nook add warmth and texture to the expansive space.

That attention to detail extends throughout all seven en-suite bathrooms, each finished with handcrafted Moroccan Zellige tile.

High-quality materials can be found in every inch of the property, including "hemlock-clad vaulted ceilings, imported stone, designer tile, and sculptural light fixtures."

Outdoors, a resort-style swimming pool is lined with eco-friendly Sukabumi Indonesian volcanic stone tile, adding another layer of craftsmanship to the property.

Glass walls help to seamlessly merge the property's elegant exterior and the lush landscaping outside, according to the listing, which notes: "Walls of glass create a dialogue between structure and setting, blurring the line between indoors and out at every turn."

Beyond its gates, the estate offers direct backdoor access to the popular Fryman Canyon hiking trails while remaining just minutes from the upscale restaurants and boutiques that have made Studio City a celebrity favorite.

“This is the kind of home that will be admired in years to come,” says Carswell.