Harper Court/Seven Fountains revived a forgotten architectural tradition in Southern California. Designed by Moule & Polyzoides Architects & Urbanists for client Boyd Willat, this project made history as the first new traditional courtyard housing built in seventy-five years in the region. The development consciously continued the rich courtyard housing legacy established by famous Hollywood precedents like the Andalusia (1926) and the Ronda (1927). The architects deliberately chose to resurrect this nearly extinct building typology, understanding its unique ability to create intimate community spaces while maintaining privacy in dense urban environments.
The community's design centers around four distinct courtyards punctuated by seven fountains, creating the serene water features that give the development its name. Twenty thoughtfully designed units are organized around these shared spaces, with almost all featuring dramatic double-height living rooms that create a sense of grandeur within the intimate courtyard setting. Each unit includes its own private garden overlooking the shared courtyards, plus a separate, directly accessible live-work space that reflects modern lifestyle needs. The development incorporates luxury amenities, including underground parking, exterior fireplaces for outdoor entertaining, and rich landscaping that enhances the Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere. The Spanish-style architecture features elements like stone-tiled balconies, private patios, and vaulted ceilings that provide both grandeur and coziness.
