Low Rise LA
Location
Los Angeles, California
Client
Privé
Year
2021
Category
Housing
Role
Interior designer
Illustration
Anna Richter
This architectural proposal illustrates my vision of sustainable interior architecture, based on the use of natural materials and a responsible approach to luxury, deeply rooted in its regional context. The project was awarded an Honourable Mention in the (Re)Distribution category of the international competition Low-Rise: Housing Ideas for Los Angeles, launched in November 2020. The competition invited architects to imagine new models of sustainable and affordable collective housing, while addressing the social, environmental, and historical challenges specific to Southern California.
Conceived as a laboratory of ideas, this unbuilt project allows me to demonstrate my approach to spatial thinking, drawing, and the design of adaptable environments. It is based on a reinterpretation of the Kings Road House, the iconic modernist residence designed by Rudolph M. Schindler. The objective is clear: to propose a flexible interior architecture capable of adapting to the evolving needs and uses of its inhabitants over time.
The reuse of existing structures lies at the heart of the design approach. For me, transforming rather than building anew represents one of the most sustainable acts in architecture. The project envisions four living units integrated within a modular structure, encouraging shared, adaptable living that respects the diversity of contemporary lifestyles.
Material choices further express this philosophy: timber sourced from sustainable supply chains, recycled furniture elements, and reused window and door frames. These low-carbon materials contribute to a restrained and warm aesthetic, where luxury is expressed through the quality of materials, light, and the relationship to nature. By limiting the building footprint and preserving as much outdoor space as possible, the project affirms a strong conviction: sustainability begins with reconnecting to the beauty of the landscape and the living world.