Los Angeles has reached the point in its growth where the need for an immediate increase in housing density is undeniable and is essential to solving the shortage of housing that plagues the city. The proposed development is a new take on the low-rise residential fourplex. Situated on a standard 50’x150’ lot with an alley at the rear of the property, the design incorporates four detached residential units; one 360 square foot one story efficiency unit, one 800 square foot two story 1-bedroom unit, one 950 square foot two story 2-bedroom unit and one 1,450 square foot two story 3-bedroom unit. Situated at the back of the development are four standard size parking spaces located at grade level, along with four storage spaces, one for each unit.

The four distinct floor plan options offer variety to prospective residents while also facilitating a mix of varying family sizes living together in one complex in an effort to foster deep community connections. Exterior areas transition from a public main circulation area, to semi-public gardens surrounding each unit, to semi-private patio spaces outside of each unit, to private interior spaces which connect directly to exterior patios. Shared outdoor garden and seating areas are provided to promote interaction between residents. In addition, the detached nature of each unit allows residents to experience independence from shared wall occupancy and creates additional privacy.

The proposed fourplex is thoughtfully designed with the environment and sustainability in mind. Rooftop solar panels, installed at the rear unit, will provide electricity for the complex, and each parking space comes equipped with a charging station for an electric vehicle. In addition, the lockable storage spaces provided for each unit, within the parking area, are large enough to accommodate multiple bicycles. Landscaped areas surrounding the units are irrigated by greywater systems that recycle mildly used water from each unit.