Inspired by the long history of artists seeking a creative retreat in our local Venice Beach community, Electric Bowery had the pleasure of partnering with clients who share deep roots in the arts, and were looking to create an inspired compound of their own. The relationship began with the exploration of various potential project sites, with the consideration of both new construction and renovation projects. The goal was to find the perfect combination of open area and urban energy, to create a strong balance between interior and exterior spaces.
The site that was ultimately selected was an oversized Venice lot that provided the flexibility to design a home with a unique program including accessory spaces for art, yoga, and meditation, without sacrificing ample exterior living space. Early precedents were taken from Hacienda style architecture and modern ‘family compound’ layouts, with an emphasis on an interior layout that would unfold into the gardens, bringing light and air into the living spaces.
Laced together by limestone and vein-cut travertine finishes that carry from the exterior of the buildings and hardscape to interior architectural moments, custom steel windows frame each view between spaces with thoughtful intention.
Upon entry through the front gates, the property is perceived as a contained sanctuary within surrounding courtyard walls, with meandering gardens connected by architectural cornerstones and passageways. All landscaping including select specimen trees – two large olives and one exceptionally large jacaranda – is by LA-based Terremoto, softening the built environment. The warm white tones and textures of the architecture provide a clean canvas to highlight the lush garden design.. Custom crafted millwork throughout the home in bleached oak and an indigo-ebony finish, all designed by Electric Bowery, are paired with an unexpected yet classic consideration of interior finishes and fixtures.
The simplicity in architectural form is elevated through careful detailing to ensure that the intended composition of the home is kept intact through all material transitions. A variety of Apparatus Studio fixtures serve not only as functional lighting sources but also sculptural design elements.
Interior plaster finishes in warm whites, subtle blush tones, and bolder turquoise bring an additional layer of warmth and unexpected vibrancy to the home, playing off the verdant landscape that together create the feeling of a lush retreat within the property walls.
With this composition of handcrafted built-in elements, and a palette of materials defined by rich natural texture, Electric Bowery created a unique environment imbued with aspects of Wabi-Sabi to foster the daily creativity of our like-minded clients. Text description by the architects.
