2D
3D
Designed 2019 - 2020, Unrealized (as of yet)
This project squeezes a home out of a tiny lot (1,010 sf total!)
On the crest of the first hill east of the Pacific Ocean, this home is remarkably comfortable and spacious for such a tight site. With living areas on three floors and a roof top deck on the forth, the benefits of vertical living are manifest. In order to make up for the lack of any real yard space to speak of, the 'yard' is brought up to meet each floor. The main living level, the second floor, includes a garden designed to embrace a olive tree. Each floor contains generous windows - particularly to the south - to bring in the sun and the wonderful beach infused breezes. In addition, the opening are tuned to provide maximum privacy in the cozy urban condition that is Hermosa Beach (surprisingly, Hermosa feels more like Brooklyn, New York than Beverly Hills).
The exterior is clad almost exclusively in a Western Red cedar rainscreen facade. The natural feel of the wood is right at home in this beach environment. It also helps keep the home cool in the summer. A roof deck contains a hot tub, space for private sunbathing, and views that make the tiny lot feel expansive - Palos Verdes to the south, the Pacific and the whole bay of Los Angeles to the west and north, and the Los Angeles basin to the east.
Replacing a tiny 1920's beach shack, this home shows how to make a tight fit work!