BRISE SOLEIL APARTMENTS

This project is a live/work housing development in Los Angeles that explores how residents can seamlessly integrate living and working from home. The design consists of four live/work units on the ground floor and a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom units on the second and third floors. At its core, the project emphasizes environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and affordability.

The building’s massing is composed of stacked, box-like units, with distinct design strategies on the north and south façades. The north side features a flat, structured façade that accommodates bedrooms and bathrooms, providing a more traditional floor plan. In contrast, the south side showcases a series of angled extrusions, which serve two primary purposes: first, they provide shading to mitigate the strong southern sun while maintaining expansive views through floor-to-ceiling windows; second, they create a unique living experience by allowing natural light to interact with each unit differently, ensuring variety and individuality for residents. This approach avoids the monotony often associated with affordable housing while keeping costs manageable.

The stacking method of the units generates dynamic in-between spaces on the exterior, which serve as communal areas and circulation paths. These spaces encourage community-building and social interaction, adding a functional layer to the design. By balancing affordability, energy efficiency, and engaging architecture, this project redefines live/work housing, offering a sustainable and vibrant living experience for its residents.

Site: 2417 Johnston St, near Broadway commercial thoroughfare in Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles

STUDY MODEL