5340 Alla Rd.

Size: 125,700 SF

Playa Vista, Los Angeles. The property was originally constructed in 1972 as a sales and manufacturing site for marine vehicles. It is a concrete tilt up building that was single floor initially, but filled about 3/4’s full with second floor at our arrival. Thirty feet from entry you were left with no sense of direction and did not know what direction up was. One of the things this space taught us was that by simplifying the understanding of the building for the occupants by marking corridors through a vista, daylight, a view or sunlight it helps their sense of orientation. We sand-blasted the blue Trespa panels as a response to budgetary restraints. Suites were flipped from horizontal to up and down. Then the space was opened up using existing walls to create a notion that the building is built of real materials.

SCOPE OF Services

Reorganize main entries, improve internal circulation, raise ceiling heights, perform mixed tenant studies, create private suite gardens, landscape design

Loading Dock Conversion Goal:
When we began the project there was a budget in place to fill in the unwanted loading dock. The original idea was to spend the exact amount of money to fill in the existing infrastructure.

Concept:
Instead of infilling the area, we recognized the opportunity to improve upon this space. We were able to add square footage by visualizing a shared outdoor garden.

Build:
We installed a cantilevered steel trellis, bench and gravel pit. By embracing the existing structure and building solutions to suit it we were able to stay under the original repair budget.

Warm wooden elements against the cool concrete structure brighten the building and welcome its occupants. The nearby ocean breeze is easily swept into the building by way of doors and windows that were modified to push, pull, or pivot with ease and intrigue.

This window is a great example of the problem we encounter project after project. In order to poke holes and add light, we must weaken the structure. Responding to this and strengthening the thing we weaken has proven successful time and time again.