Celeste
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Celeste is a low income housing project located in Van Nuys, California, designed to enhance urban living through its combination of aesthetic appeal and practical design. The project creates a sustainable and comfortable environment for residents.
The building’s architecture is meticulously crafted to maximize natural light and promote airflow. Each unit is strategically oriented towards both the central courtyard and the exterior, allowing windows and doors on opposite sides to enhance cross-ventilation. The courtyard is designed to channel natural breezes into the building, reducing reliance on mechanical ventilation. This space serves not only as a means to improve air circulation but also as a communal area for residents to gather and connect, particularly on the second-floor courtyard, which acts as a central hub for social interaction.
The inclusion of expansive windows allows natural sunlight to reach deep into the building, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. This design prioritizes the relationship with nature while utilizing sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems to minimize environmental impact. The project is committed to eco-friendly living, with all-electric appliances and effective insulation to reduce heating and cooling demands. These features contribute to a lower carbon footprint and promote a healthier living environment.
Aesthetically, the project embodies a minimalist design philosophy, focusing on clean simplicity, openness, and tranquility. The design balances beauty and functionality, with each unit meticulously planned to optimize space. This includes versatile layouts and innovative storage solutions to enhance practical living areas. The diverse range of unit sizes, from spacious one-bedroom apartments to accommodating three-bedroom layouts, caters to different household sizes and lifestyles, ensuring that the development meets the needs of various residents. Larger units with multiple bedrooms are ideal for families, offering ample space and flexibility to support growing households.
Celeste exemplifies a thoughtful approach to low income housing, where design innovation meets community needs, providing residents with an affordable, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing place to call home. This project not only addresses the demand for low income housing in Van Nuys but also sets a new standard for quality and sustainability in affordable residential developments.
Minarc
Minarc is an award winning design studio recognized internationally for its unique approach, one which embraces contemporary design, and employs innovative materials and technologies, while adhering to sustainable practices and design standards.
Principals Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir and Tryggvi Thorsteinsson, derive inspiration from the unassuming, almost austere beauty and otherworldly natural features of their native Iceland, the land of fire and ice. An appreciation for the absence of barriers and respect for open and integrated living spaces have become key elements of each project.
Our work ranges from small-scale renovations to new construction, in residential, commercial and public settings. Each project shares an emphasis on the blurring of distinction between interior and exterior spaces through the exploitation of natural light, creation of outdoor living rooms, and artistically framed views of nature.
