Paying homage to its neighborhood’s light industrial history, Las Flores Apartments’ façade displays a series of horizontal ribbed metal panels interwoven with recessed planes. Presented with the challenge of building on four lots along a predominately one- and two-story commercial street, the urban infill development was allowed two additional stories because of its transit orientation. The team implemented a champagne hue on the ribbed panels and bright blue stucco recesses to create a horizontal layering at each floor to lessen the project’s perceived scale, while its terraced structure reduced mass and increased open space.
Providing housing for 73 families in units ranging from one- to three-bedrooms, the LEED Platinum building’s terraced design created five outdoor decks, including two community gardens. A central courtyard features a rain garden with a planted bioswale built over a cistern to treat stormwater, allowing for nature play, as well as a tot lot. A 1,400-square-foot community room dressed as a transparent glass cube is adjacent to a landscaped entry plaza and allows views into the courtyard. The community’s cool roof features 8,000 square feet of photovoltaics, while light wells and open walkways enhance cross ventilation and daylight.
Project Details
Award: Merit
Category: Affordable Housing
Architect: DE Architects AIA
Builder: R.D. Olson Construction
Location: Santa Monica, California
Size: 69,000 square feet
