DEX Studio recently completed the 'Frame Venice Loft' building. Lead by Glen Bell, the project is the fourth collaboration between DEX and Frame, having completed the Frame Hollywood Loft building earlier this year.
"We collaborated closely with the client, who allowed us to push the boundaries of their requirements with the goal of designing something more unexpected," Bell said. "The Frame team was very receptive of the vision and encouraged us to develop the details and materials that we love to use on our smaller projects."
The building is located in a quiet west side neighborhood with mixed single and multi-family living, along the Venice Corridor. Occupying a corner lot, the building is generously set back from the street, with natural wood siding woven into the entry gate of the garage and lobby. The 29-unit building is organized in separate volumes to visually reduce the building's bulk, and introduce a hierarchy to emphasize the vehicular and pedestrian entry.
"Being on a corner has its challenges in a neighborhood like this. We chose to pull back from the corner, by stacking the apartments, allowing views and light into more units and the shared spaces above," Bell explained. "The best views in the building are from the lounge and deck, which can be shared by all of the tenants."
The street facing units are configured in a horizontal band that floats over the landscape and sidewalk below. Carved recesses soften the facade with balconies pulled out from wood clad voids, obscuring the regular rhythm of the unit spaces within. Each balcony has a unique depth and view - the West facing balconies are stepped back to shield the afternoon sun, while the North and East offer views to the Santa Monica Mountains.
Each unit is uniquely designed with an ample open plan that features high ceilings, custom designed cabinets, and modern kitchen & baths. All have access to a large lounge space that offers westerly views opening the space up to the ocean breeze. With the careful selection of contrasting materials used on the exterior of the building, the internal spaces feel warm and welcoming for all residents and guests of Frame Venice.
