Ordinarily, an architecture firm tailors its design to a homeowner, making sure that it fits his or her aesthetic and lifestyle. So what happens when there is no homeowner — or, at least, not yet?
When Cayley Lambur and Lucia Bartholomew, the managing partners of Electric Bowery, decided to team up with investors to develop a lot in Venice, California, it was a chance to act as their own client. They chose to build on one of Venice's famous "Walk Streets," which are pedestrian only, and they envisioned a Scandinavian-inspired design. To make it happen, though, they needed the approval of the committee who oversees the Walk Streets, and a plan for maximizing the narrow site.
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Once the neighborhood was onboard, Lambur and Bartholomew started on construction, taking additional inspiration from the area's bungalow-style homes. The house's asymmetrical pitched roof and cedar cladding are contemporary, but still give a nod the surrounding architecture.
And as for the interior spaces, the duo opted for rooms that would flow into the outdoors and take advantage of the calm street. The open-plan ground floor flows onto a spacious outdoor living room, and the master bedroom has its own terrace. And in keeping with Venice's reputation, Mere Studios added vintage furnishings to bring in a bohemian vibe. Maybe the home doesn't have an owner just yet, but for now, Lambur and Bartholomew are satisfied that they brought their stunning vision to life.
