CultureNOW - Habitat825: Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects (LOHA)

Habitat825

Architect
Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects (LOHA)

Dates

Constructed, 2007

Podcasts

Lorcan O'Herlihy talks about the design concepts and challenges of Habitat825 next to the Shindler House.

Lorcan O'Herlihy Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects (LOHA) seeks opportunities to engage the changing complexities of the urban landscape by embracing the role of architecture as a catalyst of change. Since its inception in 1990, LOHA has built over 75 projects ranging in scale and typology from institutional buildings to bus shelters, and from large-scale developments to single-family homes. In 2004 the Architectural League of New York selected Lorcan O’Herlihy as one of its eight “emerging voices” in the United States. In 2009, Lorcan was elevated to the prestigious College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. Lorcan additionally pairs his professional practice with academic and intellectual pursuits. He has taught extensively over the last decade at institutions including the Architectural Association in London, SCI-Arc, Cranbrook Academy of Art, and, currently, at the University of Southern California. LOHA’s commitment to design excellence has earned over 70 design awards including the 2010 AIA Los Angeles Firm of the Year Award. Recently, the firm has been nominated for the 2013 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award and the 2011 AIA National Firm of the Year Award.

Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects (LOHA) Lorcan O'Herlihy founded Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects in 1990, seeking opportunities to engage the ever changing complexities of the urban landscape and embracing the role of architecture as a catalyst of change. O'Herlihy has earned over 60 international, national, and local design awards, including the 2010 AIA/Los Angeles Firm of the Year Award. In 2004, the Architectural League of New York selected O'Herlihy as one of the eight 'Emerging Voices' in the United States. O'Herlihy has taught and lectured at the AA, SCI-Arc, Cranbrook Academy of Art, Columbia University, and University of Southern California.

Habitat825 - Lorcan O'Herlihy and Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects (LOHA)

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Description

LOHA

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Habitat825 addresses critical issues of density and boundaries, presenting new forms that cater to contemporary city living. Acknowledging and engaging Rudolph Schindler’s adjacent landmark house on Kings Road, LOHA reinterprets Schindler’s explorations of light, material, color, and common space for today’s urban inhabitant.

Habitat825 presented an opportunity to consider the cultural and social impacts of building adjacent to a historic site. Built in 1922 on expansive land, the Schindler House is considered the first Modern residence, incorporating new ideals of common and engaging space. Its two woven “L” forms comprise two separate family apartments, and its permeable walls and shared cooperative courtyard set precedents for Southern California multi-unit housing.

Measures were taken to preserve the Schindler House’s relationship with its landscape. Habitat825’s section fluctuates in height to avoid casting direct shadows and its plan bends inward to open up along the bordering property line to allow breathing room.

Habitat825 joins the many multi-story apartment buildings that now surround the Schindler House on urban infill lots. The building’s green façade, a nod to Schindler’s consideration toward natural contexts and color, creates a distinct mark that enlivens the streetscape. Habitat825’s own interlinked “L” masses promote a brand of integrated living that follows in the same vein set by Schindler over 80 years ago.

Internally, a loose central courtyard is bound by weaved circulation. Walkways open and constrict, encouraging impromptu interactions. Habitat825’s 19 units all open to this common space and landscaping, rather than “hard” boundaries, delineates private area set within the common courtyard.

The pushed-back front façade promotes a semi-public zone that offers benches between the building and the street. The building cultivates an agenda for urban community both within and beyond its walls.

LOHA

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Location

825 N Kings Road
West Hollywood, CA 90069
United States

Nearby Items

Kings Road House (Schindler House)		161 feet
MAK Center		162 feet
Norton Towers on the Court		0.7 miles
El Mirador Apartments		1 miles
Lofts at Cherokee Studios		1 miles
Pacific Design Center		1 miles
Sunset Strip		1 miles