dan brunn curates a dwelling that is 'positively negative' along venice beach

american architect dan brunn introduces a luminous and minimalistic dwelling dubbed ‘positively negative’ to the shores of california‘s venice beach. the project stands as bold assemblage of stacked boxes, with dramatic and light filled overhangs and setbacks. the overall volume of the house occupies a narrow lot of only 28 feet in width. the architect realizes the ‘positively negative’ house as an entirely concrete structure using the board formed method. with its form and organization, the project celebrates the spirited dichotomy between positive and negative space, the concept from which it derives its name.

images by brandon shigeta | @bshigeta

in realizing the ‘positively negative’ house, dan brunn continues his signature minimalist and streamlined design language. the 4,000-square-foot dwelling expresses a solidity and heaviness that seems to have been carefully carved out of stone to reveal a collection of highly exposed and light-filled spaces. fundamental to the design principle of ‘positively negative’ is the choreography of circulation where the structural arrangement allows for a vibrantly navigated pace as the visitor moves throughout, notably punctuated by the central staircase atrium whose reiterated shape forms a sequence of right turns descending each level. this beachfront exploration in mass and volume is characterized by an assemblage of wide-open spaces and structural markers which both break up the area while maintaining a sense of intimacy.

‘positively negative’ keeps in line with architect dan brunn’s commitment to incorporating sustainable practices in design. the design team makes use of a range of materials and techniques to approach the building process from a standpoint that is ecologically friendly. a solar energy system is installed on the roof to efficiently condition the home.

project info:

project title: positively negative

architecture: dan brunn

location: venice beach, california

completion: 2021

photography: brandon shigeta | @bshigeta