SILVER LAKE ARCHITECTURE

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Editor's Note: We hope you like our NEW SILVER LAKE ARCHITECTURE PAGE! The page has been reorganized making it much easier to navigate. Entries have been arranged in descending alphabetical and numerical order. -Michael Locke, Editor

The architecture of Silver Lake developed hand-in-hand with the film industry. Like a mighty wave, the creative individuals captivated by the magic of Hollywood were drawn by the thousands to Southern California to 'make their mark' seeking employment but also needing a place to call home. The beautiful hillsides of Hollywood, Los Feliz and Silver Lake were often the preferred locations for these early pioneers. As Los Feliz and the Hollywood Hills became too pricey, homebuyers and renters looked eastward towards Silver Lake. At the same time, as new architectural styles were coming into fashion, the architects who were designing them found greater acceptance for their often avante garde designs in the cultural mix of Los Angeles. As a result, the works of Modernist pioneers like Gregory Ain, Eugene Kinn Choy, Raul Garduno, David Hyun, R.M. Schindler, Raphael Soriano, Eric Lloyd Wright, John Lautner, Kemper Nomland and Richard Neutra are literally sprinkled throughout our hillsides. Following in their footsteps, a new generation of architects has emerged in the twenty-first century, including such luminaries as Barbara Bestor, Barton Choy, Barry Milofsky, Gustavo Gubel, Sean Briski, Michael Lehrer, John Southern, Space International, Lee + Mundwiler , Ana Henton, and many more. These images will help you appreciate our architectural heritage and the new innovators that continue to interpret and exemplify beautiful architectural design.

Pictured is the Fischer Residence designed by Eugene Weston III in 1957. Currently on the market and listed for sale. The price: $1,399,000.

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Sean Briski Residence II, Sean Briski, Architect 2006

Silver Ridge Avenue has some of the most storied monuments to Modernist architecture to be found in the world, including works by Harwell Hamilton Harris, Rudolph Schindler, J.R. Davidson and Allyn E. Morris. Visiting there recently, I was struck by a number of exciting new architectural projects being infilled in a few of the steep, remaining hillside lots, and some interesting remodels.

A real eye-catcher is this stunning architectural statement at 2358 Silver Ridge. Designed by Sean Briski, Principal of the architectural firm ChromaAD, Briski has created something very special as the accompanying photos will attest.

The exterior of the house is a series of experiments in wall construction that have been organized into a composition. The screen wall at the stair is made up of tire 'alligators' sandwiched between panels of glass. The light-transmitting wall panel in the living room is made with packing peanuts laid between twin wall lexan.

The interior of the house is a voluminous open space, organized around a two story living room. A series of three basketball backboards are used as a guardrail and are the focus of the living room. Just as the television replaced the fireplace as the main focal point of earlier homes, this house seeks to make basketball the focal point. A large operable window opens to the outside; exposed steel and concrete connect the interior to the exterior.

Sean Briski is a principal of the firm ChromaAD. He has degrees in architecture and art from California Institute of the Arts and the Pratt Institute. The Sean Briski Residence II is located at 2358 Silver Ridge Avenue.

Silver Lake : Los Angeles, California

SILVER LAKE ARCHITECTURE