Restore Neighborhoods LA Affordable Housing Prototypes

The challenge set forth was to create a series of three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family homes that could be built on typical narrow lots in South Los Angeles with a construction budget of $250,000, or roughly $165 per square foot. Set in underserved neighborhoods ripe for revitalization, Lehrer Architects designed three, 1,200-square-foot single-family homes, which represent catalytic prototypes for urban infill and affordable homeownership.

While affordability remains a priority, these designs encapsulate the essence of Southern California living - each residence is bathed in natural light, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces, adorned with lofty ceilings, and a pervasive sense of luxury. Interior palettes burst with vibrancy, complemented by direct garden access, offering a variety of outdoor sanctuaries despite their narrow lots.

"Just call it gracious housing with emblems of luxury: ample natural light; views; generous indoor-outdoor relationships; processional spaces; and an open, trusting, and welcoming attitude to the street."
- Michael B. Lehrer | Dwell Magazine
IMAGES
No items found.
Videos
DRAWINGS
No items found.
Residential
Location
South LA - Los Angeles, California
Client
Restore Neighborhoods Los Angeles
Size
Design of 3 – 1,200 SF single family home prototypes for urban infill lots
Status
Completed 2015
Awards
2017   Gold Nugget Merit Award
2014   Southern California Development Council Honor Award
2014   SCANPH Design Award
2014   Pacific Coast Builders Conference Judges Special Award of Excellence
2014   Gold Nugget merit Award
2014   LA Business Council Award for Exceptional Contribution
2015   AIA California Award for Excellence in Design
2016   AIA Los Angeles Award for Excellence in Design
2017   AIA Los Angeles Award for Excellence in Residential Design
2017   AIA California Award for Excellence in Residential Design
Gold Nugget Merit Award, Pacific Coast Builders Conference, 2017
Honor Award for Excellence in Residential Design, American Institute of Architects – California Council, 2017
Honor Award for Excellence in Residential Design, American Institute of Architects – Los Angeles, 2017
Award for Excellence in Design, American Institute of Architects – Los Angeles, 2016
Honor Award for Excellence in Residential Design, American Institute of Architects – California Council, 2015
Award for ‘exceptional contribution’ in Chairman’s category, Los Angeles Business Council, 2014
Gold Nugget Merit Award, Pacific Coast Builders Conference, 2014
Honor Award, Southern California Development Council, 2014
Honorable Mention Design Award, Southern California Association for Non Profit Housing, 2014
Judges Special Award of Excellence, Pacific Coast Builders Conference, 2014
Project Team

Structural Engineer:
John Labib, John Labib & Associates

MEP Engineer:
Omar Hawit, Westlake Reed Leskosky

Landscape:
Bob Gomob, SQLA

Landscape Architect
Studio-MLA
Swimming Pool Engineer
Jones & Madhavan
Jones & Madhavan
Jones & Madhavan
Project Management
City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks
City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering
Media