Starter Home

Designed and built for less than $200K, start-to-finish, this starter home prototype elevates the typology by creating spatial complexities, a sense of luxury and energy independence.

Location: South Los Angeles, CA
Architect: Partner-in-Charge, Nerin Kadribegovic, AIA, Lehrer Architects LA, Inc
Budget: All In, Design, Permit, Construction <$200,000
Builder: Redstar Construction
Photography: Nerin Kadribegovic, FAIA , Michael B. Lehrer, FAIA , Benjamin Lehrer

Design Challenge:

For less than $200K, including design and construction cost, create a reproducible, affordable starter home for South LA’s infill lots.

Design Relevance:

Designed and built for less than $200K, start-to-finish, this starter home prototype elevates the typology by creating spatial complexities, a sense of luxury and energy independence not usually found in this type of housing; It honors and energizes underserved neighborhoods by simultaneously fitting in and standing out.

Design Details:

Measuring in at a modest 1,000 sq. ft., the design of this home aims to honor the rudiments of good living: Welcoming canopy soars above the entry, doubles as a carport; its roof line mimics and yet departs from adjacent structure Processional entry maximizes views throughout the property;

Skylights and floor to ceiling glass allow for generously day lit spaces and seamless indoor-outdoor living; High ceilings create a sense of luxury; Vivid colors animate and delineate the spaces; Direct connection to landscape and garden creating a variety of open spaces; 2 KW PV array provides enough power for off-the-grid living;700 gl rain barrels capture storm water; Using every tool in the architect’s palette—light and shadow, scale, proportion, shaped dramatic view-sheds, leaving no throwaway spaces, color, xeriscape planting and permeable surfaces—generous home-and-gardens are created that fit into existing neighborhoods while energizing and honoring them. This prototype shows that dignity, sustainability, sense of luxury and healthy living are not reserved for those at the top of the social ladder.

Awards

Award for Excellence in Design, American Institute of Architects – Los Angeles, 2018

Honor Award for Excellence in Residential Design, American Institute of Architects – California Council, 2017

Award for Excellence in Architectural Design, American Institute of Architects – Los Angeles, 2017

Honor Award for Excellence in Residential Design, American Institute of Architects – Los Angeles, 2017

Gold Nugget Merit Award, Pacific Coast Builders Conference, 2017