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Radius House

Curved plaster walls feature in bright Los Angeles home by Pentagon

LA studio Pentagon has completed a ground-up residential project in the city's Venice neighbourhood, using rounded walls to create a sculptural composition and enhance the home's natural light.

The Radius House is the young firm's first residential project and was completed in the first weeks of 2022.

Curved house by Pentagon
The Radius House is located in Venice, Los Angeles

The two-storey home is located in Venice, an area of Los Angeles that is famed for its iconic boardwalk and active street life.

Pending the home's sale, it is currently being used as a showroom and exhibition space, highlighting the work of local artists.

Kitchen on ground floor
The ground floor hosts the home's communal areas

"Creating tension between art and architecture, public and private, it connects the home with the creative community of Los Angeles," said Pentagon.

The studio, founded in 2014 by five SCI-Arc alumni, used curved walls to create visual interest throughout the four-bedroom home.

Concrete flooring
Concrete flooring runs throughout the ground level

"Crisp angles, curved surfaces, and large picture windows throughout the two-story structure create unique moments of dialogue between indoor and outdoor," said the architects.

"The residence features sculptural interior spaces and articulated facades, giving it a distinctive presence in an area recognised for expressive residential designs," they added.

Central staircase and skylight
A grand central staircase is topped by a round skylight

The ground floor hosts the communal areas and includes an open-concept living and dining room, with the kitchen slightly off to the side.

To make the most of LA's year-round warm weather, the main part of the home opens to a courtyard and pool via large glass doors.

"Lush landscaping by Sarita Jaccard Design surrounds a raised basalt slab containing a pool, sundeck, and fireplace, conceptualised as a 'bento box' of outdoor activities," the architects said.

Pentagon curved walls house
Curved walls were installed to create visual interest throughout the home

A grand staircase occupies the centre of the home, and is top-lit by a large round skylight. Its walnut construction brings contrast to the interior palette, and complements the cabinets and built-in furniture in the kitchen.

Three flights of stairs lead to the upper floor, where a large landing acts as a secondary lounge area. At the back of the property is the primary bedroom, which has a walk-in closet and its own ensuite.

The architects included a large curved wall here that creates interesting light effects throughout the day. "The Venetian plaster walls give the residence a luminous continuity and a handcrafted quality throughout," said Pentagon.

Three more bedrooms are included upstairs, along with a home office and gym overlooking the street.

Minimalist interior design
Minimalist interior design was employed inside

"The interior of the residence introduces finish selections that express visual contrast, human scale, and refined materials," said the architects.

"The radiant heated concrete of the first floor, and European white oak wood on the second floor, bring a feeling of comfort and warmth to both common and private spaces," they added.

Outdoor relaxation space
Outdoor spaces provide a place to relax

Residents also have access to the roof, which is covered in vegetation and provides an additional exterior space to relax.

Other homes in the Los Angeles area include a modernist home in Beverly Hills that was refurbished by local designer Sophie Goineau, and a colourful backyard guesthouse by Bunch Designs.

The photography is by Eric Staudenmaier.

More images and plans

Ground floor plan
Ground floor plan
First floor plan
First floor plan
Roof floor plan
Roof floor plan
Radius House
Radius House
Radius House
Radius House