Sean Briski Residence II, Sean Briski, Architect 2006

Sean Briski Residence II, Sean Briski, Architect 2006
Originally uploaded by Michael Locke

Silver Ridge Avenue has some of the most storied monuments to Modernist architecture to be found in the world, including works by Harwell Hamilton Harris, Rudolph Schindler, J.R. Davidson and Allyn E. Morris. Visiting there recently, I was struck by a number of exciting new architectural projects being infilled in a few of the steep, remaining hillside lots, and some interesting remodels.

A real eye-catcher is this stunning architectural statement at 2358 Silver Ridge. Designed by Sean Briski, Principal of the architectural firm ChromaAD, Briski has created something very special as the accompanying photos will attest.

The exterior of the house is a series of experiments in wall construction that have been organized into a composition. The screen wall at the stair is made up of tire 'alligators' sandwiched between panels of glass. The light-transmitting wall panel in the living room is made with packing peanuts laid between twin wall lexan.

Tree House, Standard llp Architects jeffrey allsbrook | silvia kuhle | nicholas hopson | sylwia pasciak 2002-2010

Tree House, Standard llp Architects jeffrey allsbrook | silvia kuhle | nicholas hopson | sylwia pasciak 2002-2010
Originally uploaded by Michael Locke

large ash tree envelopes the house, creating a microclimate. A partially concealed post and beam structure modulates the exterior and allows openings to span from floor to ceiling. The second story bears on thins stainless steel columns and cantilevers over a concrete deck, which in turn cantilevers over the slope. The horizontal layering of the roof and floors extend the interior and engages the space under the tree. Located at 351 Dahlia Avenue in the Silver Lake district of Los Angeles.

Tree House, Standard llp Architects jeffrey allsbrook | silvia kuhle | nicholas hopson | sylwia pasciak 2002-2010

Tree House, Standard llp Architects jeffrey allsbrook | silvia kuhle | nicholas hopson | sylwia pasciak 2002-2010
Originally uploaded by Michael Locke

The horizontal projections provide visual balance to the immense trunk and limbs of the ash tree, for which the house is named. Redwood siding clads the overhangs and and defines the transition between the interior and exterior.

Brauer-Drobka Residence, Bardwell Case & Associates, Architects (Remodel) 2004

Brauer-Drobka Residence, Bardwell Case & Associates, Architects (Remodel) 2004
Originally uploaded by Michael Locke

For a remodel of their home, Daniel Brauer and James Drobka selected the architectural firm Bardwell Case & Associates to replace a distressed 'bootleg' addition over the garage and rebuild the foundation. The result is a finely-tuned expression of Modernism that resonates with Silver Lake's architectural heritage. Stephen Bardwell was the lead architect on the project, completed in 2004. The addition. dubbed the 'Tiki Room', houses the owner's extensive collection of Tikis, Polynesian gods or images in stone or wood.

The Brauer-Drobka Residence is located at 3106 Berkeley Circle in Silver Lake.