M I C H A E L K N O P O F F A I A D E S I G N L A B / A R C H I T E C T U R E __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
To encourage the preservation of original housing stock and to discourage "mansionization," California cities recently began to allow a small second dwelling on a single-family lot. Local regulations remained so strict, however, that after four years, only a handful of "granny flats" had been approved under the new ordinance in Los Angeles. In response to the constraints, this design emphasizes an indoor/outdoor experience to maximize the sense of space. Using modified patio doors and a steel rail, the upper floor opens to the garden. With the sliders open, the living area serves as a balcony, without impinging on the garden below. The design also aims for flexibility. With the bifold doors secured at the base of the stairs, the downstairs — otherwise open to the floor above — may be used as a garden office by the residents of the main house, with a separate entrace for the upstairs tenants. The budget was limited — the constructon cost of $200 / sf was about ¾ the typical cost of new construction in Southern California at the time — so details were carefully anticipated during the design process, integrating spatial and ecological innovations where possible. To promote a sense of openness, the sleeping area partition stops short of the high ceiling, so that the full extent of the space may be "borrowed" on either side of the partition. The "green" design involves no air conditioning. Instead, the stairwell serves as a passive "solar chimney," drawing air through the living spaces towards a thermostatically-controlled exhaust fan. The open stair is covered entirely with translucent polycarbonate "greenhouse" roofing, providing indirect daylight to the living areas.
structural engineer: Bill Koh
contractor: Les Horvath
310..709.4288...tel / 819..Pier.Avenue,..Santa.Monica,..CA.90405 / email __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
