The Bungalow Flats

Competition Entry
Los Angeles, CA

Our current housing crisis echoes the conditions that sparked the Arts & Crafts movement—a call for architecture that is beautiful, meaningful, and accessible to everyday people. The enduring appeal of the California Craftsman reflects a deep cultural desire for homes rooted in vernacular identity and visual richness.

This proposal positions that historical ethos within a modern framework. It champions a shift from conventional architectural norms toward a new typology: one that empowers communities, encourages homeownership, and reflects the diverse spirit of its residents. The Bungalow Flats embody this vision—an architecture that is expressive, efficient, and affordable, designed not just for the people, but by the people.

Using modular construction and conventional building techniques, the Bungalow Flats can be quickly and cost-effectively realized. Modules are factory-built, shipped on standard flatbeds, and assembled on-site with minimal disruption, using existing infrastructure. Non-combustible finishes and a streamlined construction process further enhance practicality and safety.

While innovative in form—employing steel structure, modular assembly, and increased density—the design remains deeply connected to its surroundings. Drawing from Arts & Crafts principles, it features familiar two-story forms, generous porches, and tactile materials. Exposed steel adds honest, dynamic detailing. Interiors are warm and expressive, reflecting Los Angeles’ creative energy, with abundant natural light and greenery at every turn.

The Bungalow Flats represent more than a housing solution—they are a call to reimagine what our neighborhoods can be: inclusive, expressive, and designed for belonging.