Gelb House rehabilitation in Los Angeles by bruce norelius studio

Article source: bruce norelius studio

Commissioned in 1949 and owned by the original family for 60 years, the Gelb House was one of the least modified in A. Quincy Jones’ Mutual Housing Association, an ambitious experiment in Los Angeles post-war housing. Each architectural element and detail was designed and executed with extraordinary economy and elegance.

Image Courtesy © bruce norelius studio

• Architects: bruce norelius studio
• Project: Gelb House rehabilitation
• Location: Los Angeles, U.S.A

Image Courtesy © bruce norelius studio

The post-and-beam frame is laterally reinforced with judiciously placed redwood-cladshear walls and exposed concrete block elements. Exterior window and door jambs are integrated into the structure, without a redundant move anywhere. Principal materials consist of concrete, concrete block, redwood cladding, and douglas fir posts, beams and plywood.

Image Courtesy © bruce norelius studio

Our first aim was to respect the original house and to maintain its spirit. However, when we have made interventions, our goal was to express them—quietly—as independent from the 1949 fabric. Kitchen cabinetry is oiled steel and appears almost black; lighting fixtures hang on cables and provide indirect light.

Image Courtesy © bruce norelius studio

The landscape strategy moved away from the original semi-tropical concept, probably typical of its time, to a no-water, mostly native and dry-climate landscape. Each design decision has been made deliberately and with the understanding it could be reversed in the future when, no doubt, a different attitude toward preservation and rehabilitation will predominate.

Image Courtesy © bruce norelius studio

Image Courtesy © bruce norelius studio

Image Courtesy © bruce norelius studio

Tags: Los Angeles, U.S.A.

Categories: House, Rehabilitation

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