11NOHO, located in the popular NOHO Arts District in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, offers a fresh perspective on historical South Californian courtyard apartments with a modern mixed-use development, designed for sustainability and an increased sense of community, balanced with privacy.
Designed by the architecture firm, Brooks + Scarpa, this innovative project defies traditional apartment buildings by creating a welcoming cube design that prioritizes communal spaces with a courtyard which is open to the street. However, the living spaces are raised a story above the ground level for a sense of privacy. The courtyard is crowned by a “sky-bridge” that frames picturesque views and infuses natural light into the space.
The mixed-use building features 279 m2 (3,000 sf) of retail space and dedicates 12 units for low-income tenants. This inclusion of affordable housing, under California State Assembly Bill AB763, allowed for increased height and density, addressing the critical need for affordable housing in the area. The project was able to utilize the State of California Affordable Housing Density Bonus incentives—with a 35 percent density increase over the baseline zoning.
In terms of sustainability, 11NOHO prioritizes passive design strategies, maximizing natural ventilation and daylight while incorporating solar hot water panels. Its energy efficiency surpasses California’s Title 24 Energy Analysis standards by 45 percent.
Thirty-six percent of site area is designed to support vegetation, featuring “flow-through” planters which act like swales, drought-tolerant plants, and habitat-friendly landscaping; with 90 percent of landscaped areas covered by native or climate-appropriate plants, providing a habitat for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway.
By implementing a robust stormwater management plan, 11NOHO captures and treats 90 percent of annual rainfall. More than 30 percent of the site features vegetation and permeable surfaces. Impermeable areas, such as the roof and second-floor deck, direct water to on-site infiltration planters, cleaning it in the process. This results in more than 95 percent of surfaces capturing stormwater.
Water savings of approximately 30 percent are achieved through low-flow fixtures, leading to significant utility cost reductions. No invasive plants were used, and the indoor water use is 35 to 40 percent, which is above the standard Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense guidelines.
The project minimizes construction waste, employs low-maintenance materials, and emphasizes durability, indoor air quality (IAQ), and moisture control. Materials were procured with recycled content (e.g. concrete with flyash content and gypsum board with recycled content) and all the aggregate for the concrete foundations was locally sourced. Materials were chosen with integral colors to eliminate the need for any future painting or refinishing, such as the window frames and the integral-colored stucco throughout the project.
Major project materials have health product declarations (HPDs), all materials meet the City of Los Angeles Green Building Code, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (AQMD’s) criteria.
11 NOHO’s building envelope employs cost-effective passive measures such as enhanced insulation, natural cross ventilation, and a reflective white roof. Thanks to California’s sunny climate and affordable solar panels, the rooftop solar array can start paying back in five years. The design minimizes energy consumption by discreetly placing the elevator, encouraging stair use for energy savings and improved health. The project optimizes hot water use with an efficient common boiler connected to rooftop solar panels. The heating and cooling systems use a highly efficient multi-unit variable refrigerant flow system. Energy Star appliances and high-efficacy light fixtures further reduce consumption.
Framing efficiencies were utilized: prefab detailed cut list and lumber order, open-web floor/roof trusses spaced more than 406.4 mm (16 in.), and panelized construction. Floor plates, building volumes, and shear walls stack vertically, reducing cost and construction waste. The naturally ventilated ground floor parking garage saves energy and expenses. Exterior materials are selected for low maintenance, and the solar hot water system recoups its cost in under five years.
As a long-lasting project, 11NOHO is dedicated to continuous improvement and education. It actively shares performance data and lessons learned with professional organizations and authorities to improve building practices and the permitting process. The project seeks to maintain a long-term relationship between designers, users, and operators for ongoing success.
The mixed-use Hollywood project beautifully merges vintage courtyard style with modern design. An inspiring blend of history and innovation, setting a new standard in urban living.