LA couple builds backyard cottage, then moves-in from main home

Paul and Yuki Gasiorkiewicz bought a nondescript 1930s bungalow in LA’s Echo Park and rather than trying to convert it into something better suited to their tastes, they tore down the garage in the backyard and built their dream home in its place.

Wanting to preserve some backyard, they limited the home to a similar footprint as the garage, but built up. They also added substantial overhangs to the home so give added space to the upper floor.

Using large wood-framed windows across two walls of the lower floor, the home doesn’t need air conditioning and takes full advantage of its views of Los Angeles. Influenced by Japanese tradition, the couple built a wooden veranda, or “engawa”, around the home that they use for outdoor seating and “moon watching”.

Gasiorkiewicz believes that the ability of Californians to create ADUs (accessory dwelling units) in their yard can change how we build and live.

[juliagregory]

14:44 "feels almost rural" LOL!!! You are on top of all your neighbors!!

[bobgruner]

If you look at 0:24, again at 0:45, and especially at 1:15 you can see that the second floor of this house is directly in front the neighbors' original view south towards downtown from their second floor windows. In addition, the owner-architect boasts at 1:03 that he was able to take over the footprint of the garage and thereby evade current setback requirements, meaning that the 2-story structure is even more intrusive than it really ought to be. Finally, this new structure is to southwest of the neighbor's yard which I assume dramatically reduces the sun reaching their backyard from the middle of the day onward. I don't know how this got permitted for 2 stories.

[whosnezq]

Him: look at this greeeeaaat view!!!

Neighbor: yeah, i love this new white wall.

[gwenowens]

I do like the house, I could live there quite happily but their ideal home and great views are at the expense of neighbours and their right to light and amenity. I can't understand how that was allowed by planners.

[olivertan]

This house is the best especially the tropical combined with Japanese garden it is soo relaxing and enjoying a view while sipping coffee. Awesome !

[giuliorasi]

I love your channel, there’s a zen calmness to all these house visits

[unspokensoles]

Wow! Super-impressed with their new home where the garage used to be. Beautiful. It’s pretty amazing. Congratulations to the couple.

[g__e__o]

This couple is like:
"Let's think outside the box, and go live in it"
Amazing :)

[giojared]

One could grow a great garden on that roof.

[exist]

Honestly, I've followed your channel for years just for inspiration to design a home. Such amazing spaces.

[nicolewilliams]

I was supposed to find this video. Your last words really spoke to me. Thanks for the tour and inspiration.

[ledan]

Amazing view. Their neighbors used to have a similar view.

[ericbass]

One of the Best and Most Beautiful and architecturally functional houses!
Its inspirational to see a space making everything around it better!

[AndreasMitchell]

I got mad on behalf of the neighbors watching this. The impact on their light and amenity of this two story development is massive. It would never be allowed anywhere in the suburban UK. Don't get me wrong, I liked the build, but a follow up interview with the adjoining property owner would she important light (pardon the pun) on other aspects of experimental builds.

[StandingUpForBetter]

Simply STUNNING! CA is expensive but the weather is amazing. This couple made the most of their space and was able to embrace the fantastic potential of the outside / inside living opportunities opened up with that perfect climate. Very well done! Thank you for sharing.

[swyoon]

this design is actually smart and interesting. Well done!

[rayjam]

..love ..the house layout and all about its surroundings taken into account...you got my two thumbs up...

[johnnohobear]

Really nice design. One of my favorites. Wonder how the neighbors who lost part of their view feel though?

[sumitbali]

Very well designed. Makes most of the available space. One of the best homes featured on your channel

[wesleyhunter]

Fantastic. I love the juxtaposition of black and wood paneling. They are my favorite color tones. I hope more cities adapt to having to have these type of dwellings on your properties.