1850 Sawtelle
Location: Los Angeles, California Size: 23,550 SF Status: Built Program: Exterior Façade Upgrade Client: Abady Holdings Corp
chevron_leftBalanced, Floating Volumes
1850 Sawtelle transforms an outdated Los Angeles office building through a lightweight exterior intervention. The design introduces balanced volumes, open balconies, and expansive windows. Together, these elements replace the building’s heavy faux-Brutalist appearance with a brighter identity.
The project updates a four-story structure with 23,550 square feet of space. Two commercial office levels sit above two levels of structured parking. Instead of concealing the original construction, the new façade reflects its underlying lightness.
Reworking a Heavy Exterior
The original building opened in 1989. By 2019, however, its exterior appeared tired and disconnected from the surrounding neighborhood.
Cementitious plaster and granite tile covered much of the original façade. In addition, dark bronze ribbon windows emphasized its apparent weight. These materials made the building look heavier than its light-frame wood construction.
Therefore, the design team approached the renovation as a careful transformation. The project retained the existing structure while introducing a new architectural expression. As a result, the strategy limited the intervention while creating a significant visual change.
Introducing Light and Transparency
The new design uses floor-to-ceiling windows to bring more daylight into the office spaces. At the same time, open balconies strengthen the connection between the interior and exterior.
Lightweight volumes extend beyond the existing façade. These elements appear to hover above balconies, windows, and the main entrance. Furthermore, vertical screens filter sunlight and create changing patterns of shadow.
The projecting frames also give the façade greater depth. Meanwhile, their varied dimensions establish rhythm across the building. This layered composition makes the exterior feel active without overwhelming the street.
Creating a New Street Presence
A sculpted white frame marks the entrance to 1850 Sawtelle. Above it, large windows reveal the commercial office floors. On either side, screens and balconies soften the structured parking levels.
The white material palette reflects the bright Southern California climate. In addition, the color unifies the different exterior components. Sunlight and shadow then emphasize the depth between each layer.
Landscaping further softens the building’s street frontage. Likewise, the open façade creates a more welcoming relationship with pedestrians and neighboring properties.