Many consider Marina Del Rey as the jewel of Los Angeles County; Visitors are attracted with lively shops and restaurants, allowing them to stroll on the promenade. Residents enjoy an exceptional view of the bay and the marina in the background. However, the view is not the only characteristic of this location, as luxury apartments represent a dominant feature of the coastline. The architectural task at hand brings at least two important challenges. First, it is necessary to design and create a quality living environment for the future residents, and second, the project provides an opportunity to redefine the look of the marina and through architecture enhance the surrounding context.
The project’s design inspiration is based on a maritime theme, influenced by waterfront “boathouse” structures. The rustic nature of the boathouse has been re-interpreted in a sophisticated application utilizing the warmth of wood siding with the permanence of a stone base, gently sloping roof forms and glass to invoke a place-making aesthetic that feels very much a part of the marina. Large corner windows and open rail balconies further help to blur the line between indoor and outdoor space.
The 10.4 acre site will be developed as a 585 unit mixed-use apartment project configured in 6 separate buildings. Each building contains a lobby on the promenade with an elevator as well as a 2,000 square foot club house and a 600 square foot amenity space such as a bike shop or dog wash. Some buildings will also have either have roof top deck or garden. The property will also feature pool areas, fireplace structures, monument walls, trellises, plazas and promenades for resident’s enjoyment.