Historic West Adams, Los Angeles, CA

3 bed · 2 bath · 1400 sF

Originally built in the 1930s, this modest sized property in the Jefferson Park Neighborhood of the Historic West Adam’s community was completely renovated and updated to reflect it’s owner’s modern aesthetic.

Intuitively, most home renovations begin from the inside out. This project on the other hand, was conceived from the outside in. One of the first steps of the design was to establish a clear perimeter and provide the home with much needed privacy. Soon after the fence was erected, new landscape was introduced including climbing figs, philodendrons, Mexican weeping bamboos and ficus trees that would also compliment the existing fruit trees of lemon, bananas and persimmon that were part of the home at the time it was acquired. With attention and care, the landscape quickly grew to large majestic plants that now give the exterior spaces a sense of escape from its urban surroundings. Landscaping will often take a significant amount of time to mature thus, making sure these plants took hold was a big priority for the project.

On the architectural front, the footprint of the home was essentially kept the same except for a minor extension to the existing garage slab. The framing here was redone and the ceilings elevated to provide the additional headspace to what is considered the heart of the property and the incubator of the artists inspirations.

A cypress cladding was the material of choice for the project as the desire for a naturally aged wood that could withstand the elements without much maintenance was essential. The same ideas would also dictate the choice of Ipe wood for the decking.

Architecture by TAKT.