Los Angeles-based architecture firm Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects (LOHA) has slightly pushed four sides of this apartment inward to fit it in a tight plot in Los Angeles' Koreatown which is at the forefront of changing modes of contemporary urban living.

From far away maybe visitors may not understand the wavy rhythm of the facade truly, but when they come closer, they can be aware that the skin changes and they only perceive a series of protruding balconies. The apartment consists of 32 units. 

Named Mariposa1038, the apartment is located in one of the densest neighborhoods in the country, Koreatown, which develops recently. LOHA’s design for Mariposa1038 plays with this burgeoning area’s density with a pure cube extruded to fit tight on its lot, and then formed to gesture back to the public street and surrounding context.

To blur the distinction between the public and private sphere, LOHA pushed the cube inward on each of its sides, creating curves that grant relief from the sidewalk and return portions of the ground plane to the public realm.

Balconies and window frames project outward to recapture the space between the new geometry and the property edge. Due to the building's curves, LOHA offers each balcony a unique depth and view.

The white skin, reinforcing the purity of the structure's form, is broken by a rhythm of select black treatment to the protruding boxes. Throughout the day, the movement of dark shadows across the white and black facades activates the project with a dynamic sense of constant rearrangement. 

Internally, LOHA’s carved opening creates a central focal point for the building’s interior organization and lets natural light into the courtyard. The courtyard ribbon draws the eye upwards and creates continuity from floor to floor. Below the opening, a landscaped planter with integrated bench seating doubles as a rainwater collection system. 

All units have exterior access and can be cooled by holistic and sustainable methods of cross ventilation. A rooftop deck provides additional outdoor space and skyline views.

Image © Matthew Brush

Image © Minh Tran

Image © Minh Tran 

Project facts

Project name: Mariposa1038

Architects: Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects

Size: 68000.0 ft²

Location: Los Angeles, CA, US

All images © Paul Vu unless otherwise stated.

All drawings © Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects

> via LOHA