Pinthaus, Open House
Silverlake, Calif.
Osborn

Flexible modules allow for internal evolution

Courtesy Osborn

For more images click on 'photos & drawings' above.

Located on a steep hillside above Los Angeles, the Pinthaus is situated to maximize views across the city on one side, and of the Silverlake Reservoir on the other side. A glass façade, recalling Southern California's Modernist tradition, allows the client to observe and be observed. Where exterior walls are not glass, they are clad in cellular translucent plastic that is either left translucent or backed with printed graphics. As day turns to night, the plastic walls emit a changing pattern of light.

The site's terrain will prohibit future additions to the Pinthaus, so the architect explored ways of allowing the structure to evolve and adapt from within. Sliding panels span each of the house's structural lines; the client can shift these panels to divide or expand rooms as needed. Bi-fold doors similarly allow occupants to "claim landscape" as part of the house.

The architect was also inspired by modular steel homes developed by Lustron in the mid 20th century. To this end, the Pinthaus is comprised of four structural steel bays that are adapted from a pre-engineered building type used in industrial warehouses. Inserted into this regular framing, two volumes conceal utility areas including laundry, bathrooms, kitchen, and storage. They are enclosed by colorful stained plywood. Living, dining and, and sleeping areas surround these core volumes.

Formal name of building:
Pinthaus, Open House

Location:
Silverlake, Calif.

Gross square footage:
2,955 sq. ft.

Owner:
Michael Pinto

Architect:
Osborn
320 East Harvard Street,
Glendale, CA 91205-1019
T: 818 246-3112
F: 818 246-3567
www.osborn320.com

Design Principal: Michael Pinto; Project Manager: Karla Grijalva; Designer: Juan Azulay; Project Team: Michael Reisman, Roi Lapeyre, Hisako Ichiki

Engineer:
Structural: Wheeler & Gray, Inc.
Mechanical: Lazarus Services
Civil: Barbara Hall P.E., Inc.