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Project posted by Brian Linder

David Ming-Li Lowe, Architect | Live/Work Loft

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The two-structure compound includes a large inner courtyard. The perched walkway connecting both units creates a long, covered area—an idyllic setting for an outdoor workout space.
The two-structure compound includes a large inner courtyard. The perched walkway connecting both units creates a long, covered area—an idyllic setting for an outdoor workout space.
Many of the interior spaces feature translucent, energy-efficient Kalwall building panels, which invite plenty of natural light inside while also ensuring ample privacy.
Many of the interior spaces feature translucent, energy-efficient Kalwall building panels, which invite plenty of natural light inside while also ensuring ample privacy.
One of the home's many seating areas includes a built-in (and well-stocked) wet bar.
One of the home's many seating areas includes a built-in (and well-stocked) wet bar.
The view from the kitchen, which sits on the middle level and overlooks the courtyard.
The view from the kitchen, which sits on the middle level and overlooks the courtyard.
Exposed beams and original hardwoods continue into the two bedroom suites located on the top level in the main residence. Each space offers a spacious, calming environment, complete with an ensuite bath.
Exposed beams and original hardwoods continue into the two bedroom suites located on the top level in the main residence. Each space offers a spacious, calming environment, complete with an ensuite bath.
One of the home's three bathrooms is fitted with an oversized glass shower.
One of the home's three bathrooms is fitted with an oversized glass shower.
"High-end fixtures and finishes can be found throughout both structures, providing an attractive integrated experience for the creative entrepreneur,
"High-end fixtures and finishes can be found throughout both structures, providing an attractive integrated experience for the creative entrepreneur,

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From Brian Linder

As David Gebhard and Robert Winter noted in their classic Architectural Guidebook to Los Angeles, you could easily drive by and not notice this building, it is so anonymous from the street, but once it catches your eye, an exquisite attention to detail is readily apparent. Designed and built by award-winning architect, artist, filmmaker, and beloved educator David Ming-Li Lowe, this rare Artist-In-Residence compound in the heart of Venice, 3 blocks from the beach, was originally conceived as an experimental work-in-progress, a place where students and makers could spontaneously imagine and create spatial possibilities. Now the loft-like live/work space has been completely renovated and outfitted with high-end fixtures and finishes, including a Boffi kitchen, providing an attractive integrated experience for the creative entrepreneur. Two mirrored 3-story buildings secure the perimeter, sheltering a private inner courtyard that connects the two domains, evocative of traditional Japanese architecture. From the front, a commercial storefront signals business activities within, while direct entry to the 3-car garage/workshop from the alley provides ample security. The two towers above hold separate Master Suites, with living room and kitchen on the middle level, connected by a hardwood deck suspended above the courtyard. The overall composition is a celebration of structural steel, inspired by predecessors like Craig Ellwood and Pierre Koenig, with exposed posts and beams, elegant cross bracing, and high-performance, energy-efficient, translucent Kalwall building panels interspersed with clear French doors and operable windows.