Positioned on an elevated site in Echo Park, the Hat Box unfolds as a five-unit development featuring three spacious street-level units and two detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) perched above. Conceived as live/work spaces, the Hat Box caters to the lifestyle of young professionals, encouraging community engagement while providing a private and adaptable work environment.

Diversity takes center stage within the units, where thoughtful design choices in entries and balconies result in unique spatial characteristics and varied views. Despite an efficient overall layout, each unit maintains its distinct identity through minor adjustments and circulation strategies. Steel screens on the balconies strike a balance between privacy and connection, allowing in natural light and embracing the site’s circulation patterns.

In essence, the Hat Box represents a modern living space that harmonizes aesthetics, functionality, and community integration. The architectural design, grounded in practicality, seeks to offer a comfortable and flexible urban lifestyle while catering to the evolving preferences of its residents.

Project Team: Aaron Neubert (Principal), Jeremy Limsenben, Liesl Martinez, Eric Nulman, Jina Seo, Yuxin Liu