JACKSON
Culver City, California
The Jackson Avenue project tested out all the multiple possibilities that can be done with a typical 5,000 square feet lot.
The Jackson Avenue project was an interesting one. The goal was to build an accessory dwelling unit, a term that has become synonymous with affordable housing in California. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a unit that measures between 400 and 1,200 square feet of living space. It gained popularity over the last decade because of certain homeowners who were looking for ways to generate rental income along with a demand for more affordable housing. Many of these ADUs take the form of a detached unit in the backyard of an existing house. This was the case for the Jackson Avenue project.
The Jackson Avenue project tested out the multiple possibilities that can be done with a typical 5,000 square foot lot. Many homeowners struggle with what to do to create the best value for their property. The client I was working with wanted something of architectural significance, but at the same time, he wanted to sure that developing and building this property would be cost effective.
It started off as an entirely new build - demolishing the existing two-unit house built in the 1940s. The first proposal was to create two separate units with an ADU in the center. But design potentials were constrained by city regulations which required a 10 foot wide driveway to access the garage. At my next meeting with the client, we decided to eliminate the need for a driveway by consolidating the parking in front of the main house. We also studied the option of a full renovation of the existing house and the construction of a new ADU.
In the midst of our planning, Culver City changed its regulations and zoning laws for ADUs. This was welcome news because it allowed greater freedom to expand. This completely changed the project because it allowed bigger units to be build and the faster approval process. With the new allowable areas of 1,200 square feet, an ADU can now be considered as a modest dwelling unit. We then came up with another idea - the project became solely focused on developing a two bedroom, two bathroom living unit of 1,200 square feet.
In my opinion, good architecture is not limited by the zoning conditions, monetary value, or the real estate market. I don't agree with the concept that quality depends on how much you pay. Each design is a commitment and the result is only limited by the architect’s imagination. Throughout the process of Jackson, I appreciated working out design ideas with the client as if he were going to live there.
The Jackson Avenue site had its unique advantages and challenges as well. While the 5,000 square foot lot was quite large and faced Ballona Creek, it was also narrow, which constrained the planning of the project.
The plans that we came up with pulled the two bedrooms into separate wings creating privacy and acoustic isolation from the main living spaces and kitchen in the center. Each bedroom has its own bathroom and walk-in-closet, generous ceiling heights with skylights, and direct access to the gardens. The large living space has a 16’ high ceiling with a mezzanine above the kitchen. Large multi-sliding glass doors provide a view of the adjacent Ballona Creek and access to the property's gardens. Drought tolerant native California plants are planned between the two wings so that there is an integral connection with the outdoors in every room. Finally, roof decks above the bedrooms are accessible from the mezzanine and exterior stairs.
An idea for architecture shouldn’t derive from the changing tides of the economy or demands of the society. Its scope can change, but its principles cannot. Good design is intrinsic to the skills of the architect and has been affirmed throughout the history of time. Good principles of light, space, and material are all constants that I work with continuously. Like what Virtruvius said since the 1st century BC, a home that is well-designed brings comfort, delight and strength.