This project is an attempt to answer the question: Can a young family build a new home in Los Angeles that is both artistically provocative and radically affordable?
The answer was discovered through the reinterpretation of the common barn typology. The exterior architecture expresses a playful transformation of the typical A-frame proportion, while the interior stands in high contrast, defined by its bright and airy volumes.
Winner
Urban Design & Architecture Design Awards 2020
The Black Barn
Housing Single Family
Firm
Laney LA, Inc.
Architect/Designer
Anthony Laney
Design Team
Laney LA, Contractor: Dustin Cunningham, Engineering: Beyond Engineering
Location
Los Angeles
Country
United States
Photographer/Copyright
©Jess Isaac
DESIGN GOALS
Inspired by the duality between a guarded exterior shell and a vulnerable interior world, this home rejects the typical blend between the indoor and outdoor environments. Through a series of volumetric explorations, the solidness of the exterior shelters the deep hollowness of the vaulted interior experience.
PROJECT NARRATIVE
This home was inspired by the client’s underwater cinematography and their commitment to build a home that is low-cost without sacrificing creativity. The home is organized around a light-filled double-height interior volume, simulating the effect of an underwater diver experiencing the dark space below and the bright mass above. The design embraces an extreme degree of contrast between the moody, grounded character of the exterior and the floating, airy quality of the interior.
PROGRAM
This 2,500sf home was designed as the private residence for a young cinematographer and his family of four. Positioned on a 5,300 sf property, the home contains three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.
CONTEXT
Located in Culver City, the home stands in stark contrast to the post-war suburban bungalows that repeat throughout the neighborhood.
ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS
The simplicity of the construction allowed for limiting construction waste. Native landscaping reduces water usage and natural ventilation takes advantage of the vaulted interior space.
SOCIAL IMPACT
This home attempts to illustrate an alternative approach to suburban housing. The affordability of a simple design is balanced by generous, open spaces and large punched openings, welcoming natural light.
SPECIAL CHALLENGES
The most significant challenge was honoring the family’s $380/sf budget. To accomplish this, the home embraces radical simplicity: exposed concrete floors, nominal wood framing, standard fenestration, and cost-effective detailing.
SENSE OF PLACE
Channeling the identify of Culver City’s flourishing creative class, this home remains modest, while giving several clues about its special inner world. First-time guests often remark on the powerful double-height volume that welcomes visitors just inside the front door.
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