Co-op Housing

In a co-op system, this project engages the community through environmental education and care. Both co-op members and the surrounding community are encouraged to reduce waste through drop off windows for compost and recyclable items. The composting center includes a sorting center and deposit where it is put underground and later accessed by community volunteers, then used for community gardens across the co-op. The recycling center also functions as an unwanted item exchange shop operating similar to a thrift shop. Classrooms are located in both waste reduction centers for community classes and workshops relating to composting and reuse of recycled materials through upcycling. Buildings on the first floor are arranged around existing landscaping beds and a tree on the site, with upper levels shading most of the ground. Each apartment unit has built in furniture and washer and dryer units with balcony access through the living space. Shared kitchens form between the carved out corners of the units when they aggregate, each containing a compost chute by the sink. The clusters of three person units on the second floor both sit at a 30 degree angle, reflecting the angled street grid of Los Angeles. Another angled cluster sits above on the third floor, with other clusters of two person units aligned to a standard 90 degree grid. The fourth floor contains only one person units in clusters fully aligned to the 90 degree grid, correcting the 30 degree angle of lower levels. Waste reduction is implemented into the building construction by building with recycled windows and railings.