Four lofts occupy this 60 x 120-foot site in Venice, California, a half block from the frenzy of the famous beach's boardwalk. The design challenge was to maximize the potential of the small parcel, taking advantage of the ocean breezes and relaxed lifestyle.
The idea was that even within a 30-foot height limit, all of the 2,000-square-foot lofts could enjoy abundant light, large spaces, balconies, and roof terraces.
A large glass roll-up door affords each principal living space direct access to the outdoors.
A stacked steel stairway system provides vertical circulation from the basement parking up through two floors and onto the roof terrace.
With parking in the area at a premium, each unit includes two private spaces in a concrete semi-subterranean garage; the structural concrete slab above the garage becomes the finished floor for the living space above.
Private side yards, planted with forest bamboo, are the mini-courtyards in this infill housing project. The ocean view from each loft terrace proves that sustainable densification can be achieved without sacrificing amenities.
