Broadway Housing consists of 41 units of family affordable housing with two levels of subterranean parking, community spaces and courtyard with play area. A striking yet light-hearted exterior makes the new building a welcome landmark in this otherwise plain corridor near downtown Santa Monica. The building skin is partially clad with recycled aluminum cans formed into building blocks about twice the size of concrete blocks. We worked with the state to get the approval to work with local recycling companies to provide the material. These are joined by a dramatic perforated metal screen on the façade, which sparkles in the sun and glows at night, while also acting as sun and privacy screen. East-facing walls swell with asymmetrical pleats and folds that lend unexpected visual depth. Enhancing the structure’s geometric texture, the irregular array of windows variably project and recede from the building’s surface. There are energy-efficient fixtures and environmentally sound finishes throughout.
Client
Community Corporation of Santa Monica
Project Team
Pugh Scarpa Kodama (architect)
Brian Cochran Associates (structural engineer)
Gilmore Associates (MEP engineer)
Alpha Construction (general contractor)
Marvin Rand (photography)
