Project posted by ALLTHATISSOLID
Existing cacti and a diagonal stoop leading up to the rear entry
Existing cacti and a diagonal stoop leading up to the rear entry
Contractor against the reflection of the aluminum fencing
Contractor against the reflection of the aluminum fencing
Birch plywood flooring with terrazzo tiles inlay in the shape of door swings
Birch plywood flooring with terrazzo tiles inlay in the shape of door swings
A garage converted into an open terrace leading up to the upstairs atelier
A garage converted into an open terrace leading up to the upstairs atelier
Stairway provides typological intrigue to the secreted upstairs unit
Stairway provides typological intrigue to the secreted upstairs unit
This left-handed cantilever and open garage give emphasis to the upper triangular gable
This left-handed cantilever and open garage give emphasis to the upper triangular gable
Plywood stair and metal handrail details
Plywood stair and metal handrail details
View of atelier from bed nook
View of atelier from bed nook
Master bath is open to the bedroom, with tiled and plywood finishes flush with one another
Master bath is open to the bedroom, with tiled and plywood finishes flush with one another
Atelier open plan kitchen
Atelier open plan kitchen
Garage or gallery?
Garage or gallery?
Living room still life with painting by Allison Schulnik
Living room still life with painting by Allison Schulnik
Open bath with soaking tub
Open bath with soaking tub
Vanity window with reverse mirror
Vanity window with reverse mirror
Open plan atelier with sculptures by Kit Howland
Open plan atelier with sculptures by Kit Howland
Skylight in shower
Skylight in shower

Credits

From ALLTHATISSOLID

Cronus House is a modern additional dwelling unit situated in a predominantly Asian and Latinx residential neighborhood in eastern Los Angeles. The massing design of this rear 2-unit home contends with an existing garage, a small lot, and the clients’ desire for increased income. In this context, Cronus House maximizes livable area which includes a ground floor unit and a second atelier nested within the gable attic of a new roof. This modest design celebrates LA’s aspirations for a sustainable future in high density living.

With three households on one lot, both the architecture and landscape plays with notions of boundary and threshold. The hardscape of the yard between the two detached structures is marked off with concrete diagonals, a striking graphic that encourages communal sharing of outdoor space. The existing garage discourages daily parking and is left open as a terrace, whose negative shape completes the pure triangle of the gable. To access the upstairs unit, a sculptural stair is suggestively tucked away at the rear of the garage or terrace. Interior details continue to flirt with the perception of boundaries. Terrazzo inlaid tiles are shaped by door swings. The master bathroom is open to the bedroom and the wet zone of tiles are co-planar to the plywood flooring. Even the vanity mirrors are placed to the sides so that window openings welcome in sunshine and air. The medicine cabinet hinges out to provide mirror reflections if needed. Constructed on a thrifty budget, Cronus House is a humble yet charming argument for density in Los Angeles that is modern, playful, and unassuming.