Located in a prime location only two blocks from the seaside in Hermosa Beach in, LA, this residential plot’s small size meant a challenge for architecture firm Ras-A-Studio, but what came from it was more than the family could have ever imagined.
In order to take advantage of every part of this residential lot, the LA-based architects designed a series of stacked volumes that not only abided by the area’s zoning laws but were able to provide the maximum amount of living space for the homeowning couple and their surfer son.
A tight squeeze
With the full lot measuring only approximately nine by 21 metres, nestled between a pedestrian walkway and a narrow alley, the key to this design was to create an open and comfortable space in which the family could enjoy their day-to-day. An additional requirement given by the homeowners was a two-car garage, which gave the architects the idea of building stacked layers to create separate spaces.
The 195 sqm home is made up of two floors, with an ingenious two-car garage designed alongside the alley with an in-built mechanical parking lift that allows for one car to be stored above the other. This parking space sits alongside the ground floor, in which an open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas give the illusion of space while allowing the family to feel at home.
The beauty of the outdoors
While the downstairs houses the living space, the second level was designed to incorporate three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office and two balconies, one of which – some might say the star of the show – provides far-reaching views of the Pacific Ocean. The roof was designed to provide even more outdoor space, with stairs allowing access from the balcony.
In a nod to the beauty of the natural environment, Walk-Street House is clad in western red cedar, and a solar water collector on the roof allows this design and build to sustainably provide hot water and powers an in-floor heating system.
