518 California Street

In collaboration with the client, the creative power couple Ai Mitoma and Yuya Takahashi, ALM Project transformed a vernecular tract house on a quiet block in El Segundo into a minimalist architectural gem that fuses the vibrant Tokyo lifestyle and the chill vibes of Los Angeles: Compact yet generous, communal yet privat, substantial yet light-hearted.
The 1800SF home on two levels features an open floor plan on the main level that is defined by a central skylight above the dining area, a large opening capturing unexpected city views for the lounge on the eqst and connecting the open kitchen to the dining terrace and sunset lounge on the west. Tucked away to the side, the primary bedroom quarter features an expansive closet and dressing area which connects to a Japanese style bath with shower and soaking tub and separate toilet room.
In addition, a powder room for guests is located off the staircase leading to the garden level.
On the lower level 2 bedrooms with direct garden access, 2 full baths as well as an office and a generous size laundry/storage room complete the program of the house.
The material palette is concise and substantial - ash paneling and solid ash plank flooring, japanese mosaic tile and seamless satin white corian, frameless tempered glass, bright white walls and ceilings; The bathrooms are equipped with fixtures by Toto, Duravit and Laufen; faucets by Vola; the light flooded gourmet kitchen features a spacious central island with bar seating.
The generously sized lot provides quality garden space all around. Due to the grade change seamless indoor / outdoor flow is possible on both floors - the eastern yard connects to the lower level garden and the western patio extends the main level toward the street.
Detached and located on the north east corner is a 2 car garage accessed from the street via a gated driveway and overflow parking along the north side. Plans to convert and expand the garage into an ADU were not executed.
ALM Project is an award/winning multi-disciplinary design practice based in Los Angeles. Founded by Austrian architect Andrea Lenardin Madden the studio’s portfolio spans the fields of residential, hospitality and commercial design resulting in a body of innovative and resolved work, executed with great attention to detail. almproject.com