Wedoany.com Report on Feb 25th, The American firm Kadre Architects recently completed the renovation of a supportive housing complex in the East Compton neighborhood of Los Angeles. The project transformed a neglected motel into a 40-unit housing development for previously homeless tenants. The design aims to create a suitable living environment for people who have experienced trauma and residents of different age groups.
The site consists of two buildings arranged in an L-shape around a park-like courtyard. The building facades are primarily cream white, accented with concrete gray, yellow, and green. Custom perforated metal panel grids installed on the exterior provide shade and privacy for walkways, creating transitional spaces between private residences and the public courtyard. The design team states that these intermediary spaces allow for "discreet participation in community life," aiding residents in integrating into the community.
The site's courtyard, originally a concrete parking lot, has been transformed into an outdoor space with seating, play mounds, and a pet area. Bright yellow pathways wind through the site, connecting to residential units with matching yellow doors, a design inspired by aerial photos of amusement parks. Rain gardens and canopy structures help collect rainwater, provide shade for the park, and mitigate the urban heat island effect. The team said, "Trees, grass, and colorful wildflowers are interspersed throughout, complementing the vibrant hardscape and pathways, infusing the space with life."
The complex contains 36 studio apartments and 4 one-bedroom apartments, each furnished and equipped with essential amenities. The former motel lobby was converted into a space with offices and support services, featuring walls made of translucent polycarbonate panels that allow natural light while ensuring privacy. The buildings are fully electric, equipped with heat pumps, magnetic induction stoves, and rooftop solar panels.
The project was supported by California's "Project Homekey" initiative, a program that funds the rapid creation of housing for the homeless. Founded in 2022, Kadre Architects has completed several similar renovations in Southern California. Founder Nerin Kadribegovic stated that the project required a balance between seriousness and a sense of playfulness, as it would become a mixed home for both adults and families.
