Exterior of house. Credit: Richard Powers Self Building Using Natural Light In LA

Real Life Design Stories Self Building With Light In LA

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Date Published:
16/06/2008
LA sign. Self Building Using Natural Light

When Irish couple Cornelia and Lorcan found a run-down plot in Venice Beach, California, they couldn't wait to start planning their unique, light-filled dream home...




'The Tower House'

Lurking through the dishevelled neighbourhood of Venice Beach, many modern marvels can be found resting comfortably in the southern Californian sun, including one of the newest and most striking additions: the home of Irish couple, Los Angeles architect Lorcan O'Herlihy, and his wife, actress Cornelia Hayes-O'Herlihy.

Living room. Self Building With Light In LA

Credit: Richard Powers

'This house is something very personal to both of us,' says Cornelia. 'Lorcan thought not only about how we would use every room but also when we would want to spend time in each one. He's certainly shown me that he knows my ways inside out!'

The three-storey house rises above the streets and canals of Venice Beach, and a cosy glazed room is built on the rooftop to make the most of the views of the surroundings. 'This is my favourite spot in the entire house,' enthuses Cornelia. 'When I get the chance, you'll find me reading in there all day.' The couple's Gaelic name for the place, Aras an Tur, translates as the 'tower house', enforcing the idea of their home as both a luxurious lounging area and lookout place from which to gaze.

'We've always wanted to have our own home in this area,' explains Cornelia. 'And this site was perfect for us. We were willing to wait to do what we wanted to do though. In fact, we lived on this site for three years in an old and very dilapidated bungalow before our grand plans for this home began to take shape.'

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