Scope: Base Build, Interiors
Area: 23,150 SF
Photo: Jim Simmons

‘Ten Palms’ Condominiums is a new ground-up, multi-unit residential project, completed in May 2009, on a corner site on Franklin Avenue in Hollywood, California. The development consists of nine townhome units with underground parking. Each two-story unit is designed for modern living, with unique, open and flexible floor plans, which can be customized by owners. They all enjoy a strong connection to the outdoors, with double-height spaces, and private balconies with panoramic views out into the hills and city below.

The scale of nearby buildings, the triangular site and the historical context of the neighborhood influenced the design of the building form. An approach was sought that both acknowledged a single building, and responded to the local residential scale. Hence the building is unified at street level but grows more fragmented and expressive as it rises to the upper floors, creating a dynamic skyline of three pavilion-like elements all enjoying long views. The material and color palettes are simple and minimal: the exterior finish is integral color white stucco, with Galvalume sheet metal paneling and rough-sawn western red cedar wood siding. Interiors have concrete floors, white painted walls, wood stair treads, and metal cable stair railings. Situated on a prominent location at the entry of the historic Whitley Heights neighborhood, the building serves as a gateway to the quiet residential neighborhood overlooking the bustle of Hollywood below.