Wade

This multi-generational residence was designed as a shared home built by siblings for their family, with a focus on independence, accessibility, and connection. Located in Venice, California, the project takes advantage of the area’s mild coastal climate to extend daily living outdoors and blur the boundary between interior and exterior space.

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The site is organized as a composition of distinct living volumes arranged around a central courtyard. Each volume provides privacy and autonomy, while the courtyard serves as the social and spatial heart of the home. Depending on the moment, it functions either as a shared gathering space for the entire family or as a quiet retreat for the primary residents.

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One residence was designed specifically for the sister, who uses a wheelchair. Her living spaces are fully accessible and open directly onto private outdoor areas where she can garden, move freely, and spend time outside without barriers. These outdoor rooms are treated as extensions of the interior, carefully graded and detailed to support independence while maintaining a strong connection to nature.

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A second residence accommodates the father, an avid traveler and athlete. His living space is designed for flexibility and durability, supporting an active lifestyle while remaining closely tied to outdoor areas for recovery, training, and relaxation. Generous openings, durable materials, and clear circulation allow the space to adapt to changing needs over time.

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The central courtyard mediates between these private zones. It creates visual and physical connections across the site, encouraging interaction while still allowing each resident to retreat into their own space. Large openings, bridges, and covered walkways frame views across the courtyard and reinforce the sense of family connection without sacrificing privacy.

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Material choices throughout the project emphasize longevity and low maintenance, appropriate for both the coastal environment and long-term family use. Wood cladding, concrete elements, and screened outdoor spaces respond to sun, wind, and privacy while maintaining a cohesive architectural language.

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This project reflects an approach to multi-generational living that prioritizes dignity, independence, and shared experience. By organizing the home around climate, accessibility, and family relationships, the design creates a place that supports individual needs while strengthening the bonds between them.