YU2E analyzes urban housing typologies with bluplex in LA

YU2E analyzes urban housing typologies with bluplex in LA

‘bluplex’ is the fitting title for a two-family residence in los angeles designed by studio YU2E. with limited resources and an ongoing housing crisis in the area, the team decided to create a project to challenge the dominant single-family typology maintained and produced in the region. though modest in scope, a density of two rather than one, ‘bluplex’ provides architectural diversity and increased efficiency worthy of consideration. entitlement standards — zoning, building codes, etc. — are similar for low density multi-family and single-family homes, making pursuit of the former more economically viable, with many potential opportunities.

south elevation, second floor entrance
all images © taiyo watanabe

two units are stacked atop one another, with site amenities equally distributed between both autonomous spaces. direct, convenient access to private outdoor areas are provided adjacent to respective living rooms — upstairs in the form of a spacious patio with optional fabric awning. YU2E liberally applied glass in both homes to ease physical barriers between indoors and out, and reduce perceived structural mass by increasing transparency.

upper unit deck

the project’s name, ‘bluplex’, originates from exterior painting. fiber cement boards in bright blue distinguish upper and lower properties, and is a tongue-in-cheek solution to a typical duplex critique — the bottom occupants’ obstructed view of the sky. behind the structure, is an auxiliary building able to serve a multitude of purposes. it features a 19 x 8 ft garage door, allowing multiple vehicle parking and additional storage. ‘bluplex’ was designed by LA-based architecture studio YU2E. 

upper unit: open interior and patio

lower unit: kitchen and living area 

upper unit bedroom balcony

street view

west elevation

building illustration by ellen surrey 

interior illustration by ellen surrey

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom