Our clients came to us with a very rare opportunity to design a family compound on three contiguous parcels in the famous Venice Canals. This district is noteworthy for its man-made canals, built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney as part of his Venice of America plan. Kinney sought to recreate the appearance and feel of Venice, Italy in Southern California. Today the Canals are a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented neighborhood, just a short walk from the beach, filled with an eclectic mix of original vernacular architecture from the early 20th century, and recently added modern residences. It is truly one of the most unique communities in Southern California.
Our design for the property embraces references to the original “builder’s craftsman” cottages of the early developments here, but using that architectural language to tell a story about modern lifestyle near the Southern California beach. The main house is spacious and free-flowing on the main level, with kitchen, dining room and living room connecting seamlessly to each other and to the adjoining garden. Three additional structures complete this residential village: A guest house, a gym/studio building, and an open-air pool pavilion, which serves as a shady “front porch”, perfect for relaxing and greeting passers-by on a warm summer afternoon.
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