Spaulding Condominiums

A LEED® Certified, 7-Unit condominium project on Spaulding Avenue in Los Angeles, the project focuses on use of recycled materials, including the dramatic, vertical sun-screen constructed from recycled composite wood on the exterior. The architectural program for the building additionally facilitates tenant-initiated recycling.

The building organization sets two long units per floor on three stories atop a single ground floor unit. Each of the upper units spans the length of the building from East to West, taking advantage of the morning sunshine on generously sized private patios. A tunnel-like grid of shading slats wraps around the building from north to south, including a portion of the roof, with recycled wood-composite timbers. Offering zero-maintenance beauty and screening, the 2” x 2” x 12’ vertical louvers vary in spacing to provide privacy in some areas and shaded views in other areas.

Recycled products at Spaulding 7 include reclaimed timbers used for structural beams where possible and Rich-Lite countertops on the interiors made from recycled paper composite. Wooden interior surfaces utilize short pieces rather than long planks of timber so as to use as much of the tree as possible.

Photovoltaic panels on the roof transform sunlight into usable energy, and panels serve dual-purpose as shading for a rooftop community BBQ deck. C & D waste management, bicycle racks and use of 50% fly ash concrete further accelerate LEED plans, as well as use of efficiency fixtures and appliances such as low flow toilets, faucets and showerheads.

As always, SPF:a designed the building to enhance natural ventilation with 10’ ceilings, and used passive shading, Low-e glass and wall insulation with R-15 or greater to further minimize energy expenditure. Open floor plans to allow exterior daylight to penetrate to the interior, so that little if any artificial lighting is necessary during the daytime.

Drought-tolerant landscaping with a seasonally adjusted drip irrigation system minimizes water usage on the exterior.