In LA, 50s garage becomes ideal backyard home with precise built-ins

Writer/director Wash Westmoreland wanted to turn his rundown garage behind his LA home into a home/studio that could fulfill many roles: rental apartment, writing cottage and full-size screening room. Architect John Colter left the facade of the garage intact to disguise it from the street, but once you step inside, the space expands Tardis-like into a light-filled multifunctional home.
- 3:12: check the "summer solstice" windows, which operate like the Paleolithic monument of Stonehenge, perfectly aligning with the sun's movements during the solstice.
Initially Westmoreland wanted a space to write, as well as for overnight guests and to rent it when he was out of town filming. "The thought was it was sort of a creative space that could also be a guest house that could also be where a friend could come and live, so that in the end is what happened," explains Westmoreland.
For Wash’s friend Christhian Barron, also a writer/director, the backyard home is an ideal creative home. “Every night I can watch a movie like being in a movie theater. And for someone who loves film in the capital of filmmaking it's sort of a dream come true really.”
For Colter, it was an opportunity to play. “We wanted to create a plywood house,” he explains of the decision to use floor-to-ceiling plywood. This proves an easy surface for cut-outs like circular rolling windows that line up for the summer solstice. Colter even designed plywood furniture so there was no need for Christhian to buy anything, nor to decorate. “The wood is the art,” says Christhian.
To block the view of a new apartment complex next-door, they didn’t put in any windows on that side, except for hidden clerestory and a skylight. Though the garden side of the ADU is covered with floor-to-ceiling windows to keep the space integrated with the lush greenery.
Director/screenwriter Wash Westmoreland: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wash_We...
www.colterandco.com/
www.filmindependent.org/peopl...
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[@searchingfortruth619]

This is one of the most creative uses of space I've seen. Truly amazing and inspirational. Ranks among one of your best videos. I just wish we got to see the bedroom and other areas in more detail.

[@nopenada5767]

OBSESSED with how they approached adding natural light. 🎉❤

[@kirstendirksen]

Yeah, the apartment building next door was really blocking a lot of natural light, but they managed to maximize exposure on the other side. When inside you had no sense of the apartments looming above.

[@sashastarshanti3599]

I absolutely love this beautiful space. The gardens too... I have gleaned inspiration from this piece, thank you all.

[@dianehinson2170]

So well designed. Making the most of a small space.

[@carolz5090]

Kirsten, I LOVE THIS HOME. So many innovative solutions to light, storage, function and privacy as well as being beautiful. Bravo!

[@jonchalk3855]

Love the warmth of the varnished plywood. The "hidden" windows are a great idea.

[@levekonline]

Loving this black cat skunk looney tunes moment

[@kirstendirksen]

Ha. Good summary of that moment. It was super odd for me to be so close to a skunk and really no one else, except Nico, seemed that bothered by it. I guess it's a common thing in that neighborhood.

[@briangarrow448]

This reminds me of a house I looked at buying about 30 years ago. It was built by the local Carpenters Union Apprenticeship Program in conjunction with the area Plywood Manufacturers Association in Grays Harbor, Washington. The home was built in the 50’s and had that kind of styling and had a huge amount of built In cabinetry. The other thing I remember about the home, which was an estate sale as the original owner had passed away and the family had moved out of the area, was a poster I noticed on one bedroom wall. It was an original Beatles concert poster that had been a prized possession of the teenage girl who grew up in the home back in the early 60’s. I didn’t buy the house, or the poster, and I wonder who owns the home today.

[@blueman5924]

Seriously, this place eclipses so many others with it’s unique features and all that beautiful plywood. 👍👍

[@thomasschafer7268]

😅😅😅schöne Fenster. Und bei den Preisen wird euch allen schlecht. Bodentief. Keine Schwelle. Was ist denn bei einem Unwetter mit dem Wasser?

[@nopelindoputraperkasa5869]

Nice sharing vidio..! Very inspiring and useful🇮🇩😍👍👍

[@Brian-nt1hh]

ADU units, done properly will be a godsend to owners/renters/leasors

[@Atom_Atomic]

I live in an ADU, and love that I don't have to share walls, and get to live in a cute older neighborhood. Everything is energy efficient as well. My place is where my landlord's old unattached garage was, and fits in with the vibe of the neighborhood.

[@colortura]

Kirsten another amazing video. I think my favorite videos are the garage conversions and the ADU's. These home designs seem normal. I'm not really into extreme designs. More videos like this please.

[@TEPO--]

Wonderful, in so many ways ! I appreciate the use of "privacy" windows/lights wells towards the condos, terrific lighting. The "Soltice" windows are FAB. As a nod to the ancient Maya, Aztec, Stonehenge, etc. Solstice, eclipses and the unique phases of the moon both acknowledged and celebrated by such a lovely approach. A delightful space of vissionaries, creatives to enjoy solo moments of relaxtion and inspiration and or gathering for the joys of sharing. Wonderful, thatnk you.

[@ChristineC-nk5fd]

Awesome place. Sense of peace surrounds one. Thank you for the visit ❤

[@kyrie2516]

What an amazing space developed from an old garage. Beautiful design the built in hidden spaces make this a comfortable home. I want the interior design plans if they are available! ❤😅🎉

[@wtogspedersen860]

Amazing build. ❤️

[@peterjensen1455]

Exceptionally creative.

[@larrypilcher3791]

The diner bench would be a little too hard long term.

[@kendraicu]

Amazing Space!!!!! 😇Thanks!!

[@raimonda6653]

Very magical place ! ❤

[@veronherrera]

love everything on this project

[@RealSalica]

I absolutely love it ! And the chairs look great , I don't know why he is not happy about them . With a Murakami n the wall😍

[@kirstendirksen]

Good catch on the Murakami. Nico and I also loved the chairs. Didn't dig to find out why he didn't like them.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🙋‍♂️🤗THANKS KIRSTEN 😎 A UNIQUE BUILDING…MAXIMIZING SPACE 💚💚💚

[@pamsmith7369]

I want that eclipse window! Love it!

[@loriturner609]

I come here to collect ideas and inspiration for my future home build… and this one was a treasure chest! The LIGHT! The built ins! Such a pleasant place to live.

[@1_viewer]

Nice space. The garden is lovely too.

[@user-uc5ki1rx8b]

Fabulous and innovative design, love this

[@jws44444]

Feels like Frank Loyd Wright that never made it and ended up in his custom trailer.

[@salscycleshop3416]

That's Beautiful!!

[@Pieterseboy]

love love love love!!!!

[@Here_Today_]

Well done!

[@bonilla2022]

WOW, looks like it's in the city. Amazing space.

[@kirstendirksen]

Yeah, it's right in Echo Park.

[@murraywagnon1841]

Nice space!

[@micheleboschert175]

Excellent design.

[@BallardBaller]

I Loooove This!!!!!

[@messenger4969]

very nice!

[@susanr5546]

Excellent design!

[@cygnusrays]

Utilitarian art! Love it❣

[@sharionboyd9364]

So very beautiful

[@bdmenne]

Dope place!

[@dews3340]

So nice.... From the Ozarks USA drinking free fresh spring water 💦 this morning 🌄🌄

[@jetsilla]

Yesirreee, Kirsten!

[@knottytoob]

AHAmazing!

[@nathaliely1839]

very nice

[@dameanvil]

- [00:43] 🏡 They transformed an old garage into a multifunctional home. - [01:08] 🌞 They designed the building to bring in light from every side while maintaining privacy. - [01:26] 🚽 The bathroom features a skylight and clerestory windows for natural light. - [02:00] 🎉 The space is designed for hosting parties with a dynamic layout and ample room for guests. - [02:24] 🌳 The sloped ceiling was strategically designed to block views from a nearby condo and maintain privacy in the garden. - [03:59] 🌅 The "Solstice Windows" align perfectly to let sunlight in during the summer solstice. - [05:24] 🎥 The space includes a drop-down screen for movie screenings, adding to its multifunctionality. - [06:00] 💡 The space serves as a creative hub, inspiring writing and filmmaking. - [07:05] 🎨 The built-in furniture minimizes clutter, letting the woodwork serve as art. - [08:11] 🍷 Functional features like hidden wine racks and movable coffee tables enhance convenience. - [09:35] 🐾 A small door allows pets like dogs or cats easy access to the outdoors. - [10:38] 🛋 The space's dynamic flow caters to various activities, from movie nights to creative sessions. - [11:22] 🌿 Living in the peaceful space has encouraged a slower pace of life and increased patience.

[@billger5710]

nice to see some creativity and unique response to the site vs pre-fab which can be cool but not as creative or warm.

[@joanneganon7157]

Very Cool. Nicely Done, Sir 🎉 JO JO IN VT 💞

[@ehall6136]

Are you able to share the dimensions and or a floor plan? What a cool place!

[@abigailfolowoshele3527]

Wow 🤩 give me the architects address. I need something like this. So satisfying to imagine yourself in there.

[@kirstendirksen]

Here's his website www.colterandco.com/ (email is there)

[@sr9253]

I wonder how much this cost. Also, does that large window to the yard have a screen?

[@GreatBunny]

And this can be yours for the low low price of 2.2 million!

[@mariajoseribeiro7025]

Hi miss Kirsten 😎🍹🇪🇺

[@mex5341]

What was the cost approx?

[@MrPhotodoc]

I like everything except the tree growing through the roof. Growing up in the Midwest I've seen too many trees actually destroy the house.

[@KArtoaT]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@creolelady182]

I am curious to know how that property is zoned? he renovated the garage into a livable space. which means the square footage has changed. . I wonder if he had to get a variance because of the city's setbacks from the property lines on each side and the front

[@shastafog2516]

Lovely use of a old building. That mirror on exhaust would always be dirty if you dare to cook.😜

[@utooboobnoob]

@@upshiftgo Los Angeles, as well as other California municipalities, has change their stance and now promote ADUs: "ADUs and MTHs are allowed in any zone that allows for residential use by right and where there is a proposed or existing dwelling unit on the lot. JADUs are allowed in single family zones where there is a proposed or existing single family dwelling on the lot. "

[@nautilusshell940]

Its an ADU accessory dwelling unit. Many california cities are allowing them to be built out into livable space but they likely have a size limit. Having the existing garage likely allowed approval for theirs to be grandfathered in as long as they kept most of the original structure. Its a sort of loophole.

[@briangarrow448]

Due to the incredible expense of new housing, many cities are amending zoning regulations to allow smaller mother in law homes to be built on standard city lots. The idea is to offer affordable options to buyers and increase population density in residential neighborhoods. This is a positive step forward in my opinion, but I am sure there are some who hate this trend.

[@JP77999]

👍

[@yvonnehyatt8353]

Thank you for your videos.Please study-Ernesto Sirolli and Daniel Priestley thanks

[@craigcampbell1843]

This is basically what I want but a treehouse and the whole west facing wall of the house will be glass.

[@mrs.manrique7411]

Well now I want to watch Jaltäña. Watch out for views @Cristhian Barron

[@kirstendirksen]

His film looks great. And the trailer was cut to a great piece of Bolivian music (I had to cut that because of copyright), but here is the original kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4HLmZ5oj5h4bbs

[@mariahpocahontas4751]

#rhegsvlogbuilders

[@123Abdoxm]

ش❤🎉🎉

[@heythave]

The yellow color of the plywood is nauseating. The walls and furniture could have been a peaceful, concrete grey color, which would have complemented the outside green better. The design could have brought in more light

[@Fazzrito]

his toyota is about 30 000 $. Well, yes, he can afford to do such construction.

[@onrycodger]

Wow! That's Heavy and Far Out there sister....an you got a glimpse of Pe'pe LaPew!😁🦨