Torrance Del Amo project brings 272 units of new housing, including 28 affordable units, to Torrance, CA. The design draws on classic Southern California courtyard housing with a village- like plan of linear buildings framing courtyards running north-south through the site. The courtyards link the project visually to the surrounding neighborhood, as 3- to 5-story buildings bridge the scale of single-family neighbors to the north and the commercial Sepulveda corridor to the south. Lantern-like gable roofs and syncopated balconies contribute to the village-like feel, with exterior gallery circulation that takes advantage of the mild climate. Sustainability and building performance begin with predominant building orientation north-south, allowing the most units to enjoy direct sunlight, shaded by deep overhangs and a layer of screened balconies. The buildings are clad in white plaster and stone, with louvres for balcony shading.
Considering Torrance’s multi-cultural community, a rich program of places for social interaction goes well beyond the typical housing standard for the region. Residents have access to social and amenity spaces surrounding a communal pool area, in addition to outdoor gathering places distributed throughout the site’s courtyards. Layered over a continuous parking podium, landscape treatment is lush, offering a tempered outdoor environment. The first level of the garage, which is semi-subterranean, also includes over 10,000 SF of coworking amenity space which can be converted to other uses in the future.
Category:Multi-Family HousesYear:2024Location:Torrance, California, USA Architects: Moore Ruble Yudell Architects and Planners Design Team: James Mary O'Connor, John Ruble, Nozomu Sugawara, Takuji Mukaiyama, and Roya ChagnonContractor:Garden CommunitiesClient: Rose Equities and Garden CommunitiesPhotographer: Courtesy of the Architects
