Sustainable pet friendly housing
Project description
Despite being cherished as lifelong companions, countless pets are abandoned due to housing restrictions that overlook the true meaning of a pet-friendly home. This project envisions a sustainable, low-rise community where people and their four-legged family members can live together with dignity and care. It redefines home as a space of belonging—for all living beings.
TYPE
LOCATION
A housing design
652 N Westmoreland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
SIZE
3000 sqft
DESIGN strategies
Providing an opportunity for pets and their owners to live comfortably, without restriction or economic burden and to build a community of like-minded people that share a strong kinship with their four- legged friends.
inspirations
Inspired by the warmth of a blanket, the public garden design symbolizes embrace and inclusion, echoing the project's core values. The interlocking, subdivision-style housing reflects this spirit, forming a cohesive community where architecture and connection intertwine.
demographic analysis
The target audience is the 'DINKWED' demographic—Double Income, No Kids, With Extra Dog—comprised of socially conscious, nature-loving newlyweds who bonded over adopting a Labrador while volunteering at a shelter. Known for their open-mindedness and community spirit, they align well with the vibrant, millennial-driven culture of East Hollywood, making it an ideal location both financially and lifestyle-wise.
site analysis
652 N Westmoreland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
East Hollywood, known for its vibrant culture and free-spirited millennial energy, lacks sufficient pet-friendly spaces. This project addresses that gap by providing ample room for residents and their pets, enhancing quality of life in a community that values connection and inclusivity.
COlor & material strategeis
This project embraces sustainability by sourcing nearly all materials from second-use items, inspired by the often-overlooked waste left behind when pets are abandoned. Elements like discarded dog house doors are thoughtfully repurposed into architectural features, turning forgotten objects into meaningful, resource-efficient design components.
program
section view
Pet Boarding Shop
floor plan
Site Plan
public garden
Here, you can relax outside, and meet like-minded pet lovers that live close by.
Public garden
This garden, accessible to both residents and neighboring community members, offers an ideal space for dog owners to enjoy leisurely walks with their pets. Additionally, for pets staying at the Boarding Shop, the shop's staff will utilize this garden for their walking routines. This arrangement not only enriches the lives of the pets but also fosters a sense of community among pet owners in the area.
Pet boarding shop
The Pet Boarding shop offers temporary care and helps connect pets with nearby caretakers, while also engaging in rescue efforts—reflecting a deep commitment to animal welfare and community support.
program_residence
FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
floor plan_residence
section view_residence
APARTment Living
The low sofa is designed to be accessible for small dogs and puppies, and is built-in furniture.
home atrium
The atrium on the first floor provides a tranquil space for both pets and their owners. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation.
residence attic
The second floor of the apartment features the ‘Attic,’ a dedicated play space exclusively for pets. While the area is reserved for pet use, owners can observe and enjoy watching their pets at play.
home pet room & stairwell
The pet grooming station is designed to make it easy to give your pet a bath. Washing stations are at ‘people height’, in the Pet Room. The apartment stairwell offers views halfway up, for people - or pets - to get a look outside.
private garden (2nd floor)
Each apartment unit is equipped with doggie doors that open into a private garden, providing four-legged residents the freedom to move in and out at their leisure. Additionally, these private gardens have direct access to the Public Garden located just behind, offering an extended space for pets to explore and enjoy.
sustainability system
smart system
This custom-designed app empowers residents to manage their environment with ease, from adjusting garden light intensity powered by composted dog waste to remotely operating even hard-to-reach windows. It also supports community-driven pet care by enabling temporary adoption coordination, dog profile sharing, and booking training sessions—fostering both sustainability and connection.
