Norton Beach House, House in Venice, Los Angeles
Norton Beach House is a single-family home on a narrow oceanfront lot in Los Angeles, designed with offset cubic volumes stacked at different angles. The three-level structure features interconnected stairs, multiple decks on each floor, and windows predominantly oriented toward the water for views and natural light.
Built in 1984 for an artist and a writer, the house was designed with a playful and unconventional approach to residential architecture. The project prioritized artistic expression using readily available, inexpensive materials rather than costly construction methods.
The house is named after William Norton, who worked as a lifeguard in his youth, a connection reflected in its design. The studio's large window and wooden details evoke a lifeguard station, weaving the owner's personal history into the building itself.
The home sits on a narrow lot with limited street access, making arrival by car advisable for ease of parking and approach. Daytime visits are recommended to fully appreciate the multiple levels, interconnected stairs, and view-oriented decks throughout the property.
A striking purple box studio sits elevated on a tall column near the front of the property, accessible only by an external staircase creating a floating sculptural effect. This suspended form gives the house its most distinctive and playful visual element.
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