RESIDENTIAL
LOCATION: West Hollywood, CA, United States
PROGRAM: 19-Unit Multi-Family Housing
STATUS: Completed in 2008
SIZE: 53,000 SF
TEAM: Lorcan O'Herlihy (Principal), Pierre De Angelis (PM), David Thompson, Franka Diehnelt
CLIENT: Habitat Group LA, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY: Lawrence Anderson
PROGRAM: 19-Unit Multi-Family Housing
STATUS: Completed in 2008
SIZE: 53,000 SF
TEAM: Lorcan O'Herlihy (Principal), Pierre De Angelis (PM), David Thompson, Franka Diehnelt
CLIENT: Habitat Group LA, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY: Lawrence Anderson
Habitat825 addresses critical issues of density and boundaries, presenting new forms that cater to contemporary city living. Acknowledging and engaging Rudolph Schindler’s adjacent landmark house on Kings Road, LOHA reinterprets Schindler’s explorations of light, material, color, and common space for today’s urban inhabitant.
Habitat825 presented an opportunity to consider the cultural and social impacts of building adjacent to a historic site. Built in 1922 on expansive land, the Schindler House is considered the first Modern residence, incorporating new ideals of common and engaging space. Its two woven “L” forms comprise two separate family apartments, and its permeable walls and shared cooperative courtyard set precedents for Southern California multi-unit housing.
Habitat825’s own interlinked “L” masses promote a brand of integrated living that follows in the same vein set by Schindler over 80 years ago.
Measures were taken to preserve the Schindler House’s relationship with its landscape. Habitat825’s section fluctuates in height to avoid casting direct shadows, and its plan bends inward to open up along the bordering property line to allow breathing room.
Internally, a loose central courtyard is bound by weaved circulation. Walkways open and constrict, encouraging impromptu interactions. Habitat825’s 19 units all open to this common space and landscaping, rather than “hard” boundaries, delineates private area set within the common courtyard.
The pushed-back front façade promotes a semi-public zone that offers benches between the building and the street. The building cultivates an agenda for urban community both within and beyond its walls.
