In a Los Angeles neighborhood saturated with developer-built modern homes, one young family wanted something completely different. Designed by ras-a studio, this two story house and detached ADU was created as an alternative to the generic white box. The goal was warmth, adaptability, and spaces that could change with family life over time. What emerged is a dark, textural home shaped by zoning constraints, an existing avocado tree, and the need for flexibility, both now and in the future.
The main house is defined by an exaggerated gable roof that gives the building a strong, graphic silhouette. Its asymmetrical form responds directly to the corner lot setbacks, turning zoning limitations into an architectural feature. Inside, the geometry creates dynamic interior volumes rather than flat, predictable spaces.
The entry sequence sets the tone for the interior. A dutch door and polished concrete floors ground the space, while white oak and white painted grooved paneling in the adjacent mudroom add warmth and texture. The materials feel durable and intentional, designed for a family of four rather than a showpiece home.
The living room occupies the ground floor alongside other shared spaces. From here, the house spills directly into the backyard and patio, extending daily life outdoors. The connection to the avocado tree anchors the room visually and reinforces the relationship between architecture and landscape. Natural light moves through the space, emphasizing the contrast between the refined interior palette and the darker exterior shell.
The dining and kitchen areas sit within the same public zone, designed for everyday use rather than separation. Polished concrete floors continue through these spaces, paired with white oak and ceramic tile for subtle variation. The layout supports casual family meals while maintaining a visual connection to the backyard and ADU beyond.
A staircase off the living room leads to the upper level where the bedrooms benefit from the gabled roof structure, gaining volume and spatial interest without unnecessary complexity.
Bathrooms continue the restrained material approach with ceramic tile and clean surfaces. The focus remains on durability and consistency rather than decorative excess, aligning with the home’s overall philosophy.
From the ADU, the main house reads as a dark, textured volume defined by corrugated metal roofing and black stained rough sawn western cedar. This perspective highlights the contrast between exterior richness and interior calm. The avocado tree visually links both buildings, reinforcing their relationship across the backyard.
The detached ADU anchors the far edge of the site and bookends the backyard. It contains its own living space, kitchenette and dining area, bedroom, bathroom, and office. Designed to adapt over time, it can function as overflow living space, a private suite for guests, a separate home office, or a standalone dwelling unit. This flexibility allows the property to evolve alongside the family’s changing needs.
Inside the ADU, the material palette mirrors the main house, creating visual continuity across the site. The living and dining areas are compact yet complete, offering independence without feeling isolated, while the kitchenette lines the wall.
A dedicated office space within the ADU allows for separation between work and family life. Its placement ensures privacy while maintaining access to the backyard and shared outdoor areas.
This Los Angeles home and ADU shows how thoughtful architecture can reject trends without feeling nostalgic or performative. Through a dark exterior, flexible planning, and a strong relationship to site, ras-a studio delivered a house that prioritizes longevity and daily life.
Photography by Here And Now Agency
