The Detroit 15 project is a four story, 15-unit infill housing project at the foot of the Hollywood Hills. Each unit is between 1200 and 2000 square feet. The project is divided into two separate buildings – West and East, with a central courtyard acting as both a buffer and connection between them. The project is deceptively simple.
The plain rectilinear forms reveal an interior of multi-story interlocking and spatially dynamic volumes, with differentiated units. The facades index the intricacy of the interior units with a system of square formatted windows that code the internal spaces. The resulting pattern at first appears to be randomly generated, but in fact consists of carefully thought out overlapping logics. The units are organized with loft like single story models on the ground floor and three level townhouse-like units above with sections that carry natural light into every space. A network of skylights infuses the spaces with bright warm light.
The Detroit Street façade consists of a pattern of staggered windows that are back painted a gradation of colors that indirectly reflect onto the white plaster surface – changing over the course of the day. Landscape is treated as islands of textured space that inhabit the ground plane and contribute to privacy for the lower units.
