Courtyard Lofts – Long Beach, California

Friday, 07 August 2009 11:22

Architects: Studio One Eleven at Perkowitz+Ruth Architects in association with Interstices, Inc.

If a developer wants to push for sustainable design, he should opt, when feasible, for the option of reutilizing the existing structure. Breathing a new life into an existing building while transforming their vocation avoids the wasteful process of demolition and can yield very interesting results.

Continuing our series on the recipients of the 2009 AIA Housing Awards, we are featuring this project situated in downtown Long Beach. Courtyard Lofts represents the transformation of two derelict commercial buildings and an existing parking lot into residential lofts surrounding a verdant communal courtyard.

Courtyard_Lofts_sketch Courtyard_Lofts_plan Plan Courtyard_Lofts_section
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As an infill project incorporating the adaptive re-use of two structures, the low-rise, humane scale of the project is respectful of its context and preserves the character of the existing buildings and the surrounding community.
Courtyard_Lofts_01
Courtyard_Lofts_03 Courtyard_Lofts_04 The architecture of Courtyard Lofts was consciously designed to integrate sustainability. Additionally, from this central location, auto dependence is minimized and healthier alternatives such as walking and bicycling to local destinations is encouraged.

Illustrations are courtesy of the Architects via the AIA.
Photographs are © Alan Pullman