Lorcan O ’ Herlihy Architects

Canyon5

Canyon5
© Here And Now Agency

Canyon5

Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects

YEAR
2023

LOCATION
Los Angeles, United States

AREA
10000 Ft²

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Link Landscape Architecture

PHOTOGRAPHS
Here And Now Agency

CATEGORY
Apartments

MEP ENGINEERS
Imeg Corp.

CIVIL ENGINEERS
Vca Engineers, Inc, Westcon Engineering

MAIN CONTRACTOR
Sapphire Construction

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
Amir Pirbadian, Inc.

PRINCIPAL IN CHARGE
Lorcan O’herlihy

CLIENT
Rom Investments

INTERIOR DESIGN
Disc Interiors

PROJECT TEAM
Brian Adolph, Noelle White, Nick Hopson, Chris Gassaway, Cameron Overy, Leo Yu

Conceived by smart growth proponents as a viable solution to Los Angeles' tight housing market, the City of Los Angeles adopted the Small Lot Subdivision Ordinance in 2005.

Canyon5
© Here And Now Agency
Canyon5
© Here And Now Agency
Canyon5
© Here And Now Agency

The ordinance aimed to encourage the construction of smaller, more affordable infill housing to target first-time home buyers in an increasingly unaffordable market; simultaneously increasing density while maintaining the residential scale of Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Located just south of LA’s Beachwood Canyon, our Canyon5 project examines the small lot subdivision typology by taking advantage of its efficiencies of footprint and density while creating unique homes filled with light and air.

Canyon5
© Here And Now Agency
Canyon5
© Here And Now Agency

Starting from the maximum allowable envelope, the single mass is divided by tilting the exterior walls away from the lot lines at different angles to define the individual homes and create opportunities for solar exposure and natural ventilation.

From their initial A-frame-like shapes, the volumes are expanded at their centers to maximize usable square footage while maintaining the angular end facades.

Canyon5
© Here And Now Agency
Canyon5
© Here And Now Agency

This injects a sense of the individuality of single-family homes, missing from many small lot subdivision developments.

The curving, almost nautical forms are achieved through angled wall studs and panelized systems: a simple framing strategy. The wood framing is expressed internally so the overall geometry is legible inside the home.

Canyon5
© Here And Now Agency
Canyon5
© Here And Now Agency

The cedar-clad first floor for the two-car garages contrasts the light upper units, which are composed of aluminum panels and storefront glazing.

These material choices filter natural light into the living areas but maintain privacy, essential when building close to other properties. Replacing the traditional backyard, the design of each house incorporates a roof deck to create access to more outdoor space.

Canyon5
© Here And Now Agency


Canyon5
© Here And Now Agency
Canyon5
© Here And Now Agency
Canyon5
© Here And Now Agency


Canyon5
Site plan
Canyon5
Elevations


Canyon5
Perspective drawing
Canyon5
Sustainability diagram


Canyon5
Massing diagram
Canyon5
Sketch

Lorcan O ’ Herlihy Architects
T +1 310 6574363
Lorcan O ’ Herlihy Architects
4106 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016, United States