Double Time: Bungalow Redux

Tags:: Architecture

Upon the birth of their first child, artist Stas Orlovski and food stylist Alise Arato felt that their 700-square-foot 1930s bungalow in the Mar Vista area of Los Angeles was too small to accommodate their growing family, and hoped to double their space. They considered remodeling, but architect Kevin Oreck, who had already reworked a four-car garage on the property into an art studio for Orlovski, helped them realize the need for a total rebuild. “It was a nondescript, dumpy bungalow, and we all quickly came to the conclusion to just tear it down,” says Oreck.

After the studio was completed, says Orlovski, “the next step was to build a modern house utilizing honest, simple materials—concrete, glass, metal and plywood. At the same time, it was important for the house to not be too precious.” The couple also wanted a total of three bedrooms and two baths and a highly functional kitchen, and they planned on utilizing solar power. Oreck answered with a 1,500-square-foot open-plan house that utilizes natural light and ensures privacy, one that could forego an HVAC system in favor of natural ocean breezes and solar-powered water heating. “One of our favorite aspects of the new house is that we utilize every square inch of it each day,” says Orlovski. “There is absolutely no wasted space.”

— Erika Heet

Floor-to-ceiling windows line the entrance facade of the house, whose front door is tucked around the edge of the corrugated metal at right. The driveway was retained but now leads, through the gate at rear, to a patio off the dining room, situated at the back of the house.

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Coral Cavanagh08.10.2010

Congratulations to Orlovski and Arato on your beautiful home! This is a gorgeous project; Oreck clearly knows how to shape very livable spaces.
Linda08.16.2010

Very beautiful and tastefully executed remodel. Your space looks comfortable, warm, and inviting. I am currently remodeling my small midcentury house and it's a challenge deciding how to light my kitchen due to a flat tongue & grove ceiling without any crawl space, considering either railing, or track. Choosing cabinet hardware is difficult as there is so much to choose from, I like your choice of the minimal tab pulls. Do they function easily? Beautiful job!!
Ed Martin08.27.2010

I appreciate your space concerns in laying out the floor plan. the flow of the living dining kitchen is well thought out and a great use of space. The pitched shed roof is also very economical. I was wondering if you used Sips or how you insulated the walls and ceiling: What R factor? I live in Missouri where we get near zero temps in the winter and 100 in the summer. I am planning on building a second residence with similar design features. The simplicity works well as an attitude and design. Wishing you the best.
Ted G.07.11.2011

Someone utilizingly beautifully utilization of utilize, while utilizing a utilized editor! You utilized the word "utilize" with such utility!

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