Curved Plaster Walls Combines Crisp Angles Feature In Bright Radius House

Radius House is a context-specific architectural dwelling and the first ground-up residential project by Pentagon, a Los Angeles-based design company, in Los Angeles' Venice area. The 3700 ft², 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom home has sculptural internal spaces and articulated facades, giving it a distinct presence in a neighborhood known for expressive residential architecture. Throughout the two-story structure, sharp angles, curving surfaces, and big picture windows offer unique moments of communication between interior and outdoor.

On three sides, the house wraps around a central courtyard. Sarita Jaccard Design's lush landscaping surrounds a raised basalt slab holding a pool, sundeck, and fireplace, conceived as a "bento box" of outdoor activities. A cantilevered grand stair encircles the center atrium, which is lit from above by a massive oculus walkable skylight located in the outside roof terrace.

The interior design of the home incorporates finish choices that communicate visual contrast, human size, and sophisticated materials. The walnut paneling of the entry's curving shelving extends through the kitchen to the grand stair and central atrium, stretching upwards to the roof. The Venetian plaster walls provide a brilliant continuity and a handmade touch throughout the property. The first floor's radiant heated concrete and the second floor's European white oak wood provide a sense of comfort and warmth to both shared and private rooms.

To begin with, it was a real partnership between all five Pentagon partners. From beginning to end, all of the sensitivities are on display. Pentagon are really pleased with the front and back facades. It is the precise composition of the windows on the curving volumes at the front. The back alley-facing façade has a dynamic massing since the office seems to cantilever over the carport and the garage produces a narrower base, a frequently overlooked elevation for Venice residences. The recessed window to the upper hallway contrasts with the flat glazing on the front facade.

It is never simple to design a home without a specific customer ownership in mind. Second, despite the fact that the lot has such tight dimensions (typical of a lot in Venice), structuring the home around the central stair/atrium proved difficult, but it ended up being a primary driver of the project.

Photographs by Eric Staudenmaier Photography.