{"id":821,"date":"2026-04-04T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/?p=821"},"modified":"2026-04-04T17:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T17:00:00","slug":"biven-completes-los-angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-adu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/?p=821","title":{"rendered":"Biven completes Los Angeles home with sculptural offset ADU"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n                <!-- Modern Template --><br \/>\n<iframe style=\"width: 100%; height: 100px; border: none; display: none;\" data-project-id=\"ji901qTk5OPWLvvl6Wxf\" allowfullscreen=\"false\" allowtransparency=\"\" allow=\"clipboard-read; clipboard-write\" frameborder=\"0\" id=\"ad-auris-iframe\" scrolling=\"no\"><br \/>\n<\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Local studio Byben has created an accessory living unit called the Offset ADU in Southern California. The unit features an ipe wood cladding and curved elements that &#8220;soften the feel and look&#8221; of the building.<span id=\"more-2309870\"\/><\/p>\n<p><!-- dezeen_mpu_4 For mobile ad units only --><br \/>\n<!-- \/1224966\/dezeen_mpu_4 --><\/p>\n<p>The project is located in the backyard of a family home in the Mar Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles. Designed for a couple with two young children who want more living space and space to entertain guests.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"preload-0\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2312726\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" data-lightboximage=\"https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_19-scaled.jpg\" data-orientation=\"portrait\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2312726\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Biben created an ADU covered with ipe wood in Los Angeles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) replace one-car garages that served double duty as home offices and car and bike storage.<\/p>\n<p>The client debated whether to replace the garage with a standalone ADU or add on to the home.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"preload-1\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2312727\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" data-lightboximage=\"https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_20-scaled.jpg\" data-orientation=\"portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2312727 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349990_10_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg\" alt=\"A family wearing ipe and an ADU in Los Angeles\" width=\"1773\" height=\"2364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349990_10_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg 1x, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_20-1704x2272.jpg 2x\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1773px) 100vw, 1773px\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2312727\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Built on the foundation of a former garage in the customer&#8217;s backyard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;We convinced them that an ADU was the best route, because while it allows you to define the size and helps you manage your budget, adding on to a home can quickly get out of hand,&#8221; Byben founder Ben Werwas told Dezeen.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/1224966\/dezeen_mpu_5 --><\/p>\n<p>To make way for the ADU, the garage was partially demolished, leaving the foundation and two walls in place.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"preload-2\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2312718\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" data-lightboximage=\"https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_11.jpg\" data-orientation=\"landscape\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2312718 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349990_206_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg\" alt=\"Los Angeles ADU kitchen\" width=\"2364\" height=\"1773\" srcset=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349990_206_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg 1x, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_11-1704x1278.jpg 2x\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2364px) 100vw, 2364px\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2312718\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Setbacks and openings direct the space to an expanded backyard, adding a social dimension to the home<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Utilizing these existing elements, Biben created an 890-square-foot (83-square-meter) two-story home with design elements that work well with the site&#8217;s constraints.<\/p>\n<p>In plan, the building is roughly rectangular, with large sections carved out to form setbacks and openings. The upper level cantilevers over a recessed entrance at ground level.<\/p>\n<p>A large part of the upper floor was cut away for power lines, and in its place the architects created a terrace.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"preload-3\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2312724\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" data-lightboximage=\"https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_17-scaled.jpg\" data-orientation=\"portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2312724 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349991_657_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg\" alt=\"Yellow slate stairs in Los Angeles ADU\" width=\"1773\" height=\"2364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349991_657_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg 1x, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_17-1704x2272.jpg 2x\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1773px) 100vw, 1773px\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2312724\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The outside curve is reflected inside<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;The second floor has been offset to accommodate current zoning coverage and power lines at the rear of the site,&#8221; the studio said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis offset provided a rooftop deck on the second floor, more space for existing trees and bike storage, and a covered front entrance to the ADU.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"preload-4\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2312722\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" data-lightboximage=\"https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_15-scaled.jpg\" data-orientation=\"portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2312722 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349991_114_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg\" alt=\"Yellow slate stairs in Los Angeles ADU\" width=\"1773\" height=\"2364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349991_114_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg 1x, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_15-1704x2272.jpg 2x\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1773px) 100vw, 1773px\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2312722\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The narrow staircase is painted yellow and has a skylight.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The two facades visible from the house are wrapped in ipe rain shutters, chosen for performance and aesthetic reasons. The remaining two facades have stucco cladding with ipe wood accents.<\/p>\n<p>Some wood siding edges are curved instead of straight, a technique that helps &#8220;soften the feel and look of the ADU,&#8221; Walwas said. Curved elements can also be seen inside.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"preload-5\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2312720\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" data-lightboximage=\"https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_13-scaled.jpg\" data-orientation=\"portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2312720 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349992_868_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg\" alt=\"Office ADU in Los Angeles\" width=\"1773\" height=\"2364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349992_868_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg 1x, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_13-1704x2272.jpg 2x\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1773px) 100vw, 1773px\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2312720\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The horizontal windows of the office space are distinctive.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A large ground floor room in the residence includes a kitchen, dining space, lounge area, small bathroom, and laundry room.<\/p>\n<p>The ground space opens onto a deck, providing opportunities for indoor\/outdoor living.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"preload-6\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2312719\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" data-lightboximage=\"https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_12-scaled.jpg\" data-orientation=\"portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2312719 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349993_819_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg\" alt=\"Los Angeles ADU patio\" width=\"1773\" height=\"2364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349993_819_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg 1x, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_12-1704x2272.jpg 2x\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1773px) 100vw, 1773px\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2312719\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The roof deck was placed in a cutout to accommodate power lines.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The upper floor has an office that doubles as a bedroom.<\/p>\n<p>A notable feature of the upper area is the high U-shaped window that extends into the cove above the ceiling line. Mirrors in the cove provide &#8220;a sense of infinite height.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The two levels are connected by a narrow, skylit staircase painted bright yellow and lined with white oak slats.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"related-in-article-wrapper\" id=\"recommended-item-single-story\">\n<article class=\"related-in-article\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Can this image be in the exclude lightbox list? --><img width=\"191\" height=\"191\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349993_162_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg\" class=\"excludeLightbox wp-post-image\" alt=\"concrete block\" decoding=\"async\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" srcset=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349993_162_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg 191w, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/moon-valley-residence-phoenix-arizona-benjamin-hall-design_dezeen_2364_sq-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/moon-valley-residence-phoenix-arizona-benjamin-hall-design_dezeen_2364_sq-1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/moon-valley-residence-phoenix-arizona-benjamin-hall-design_dezeen_2364_sq-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/moon-valley-residence-phoenix-arizona-benjamin-hall-design_dezeen_2364_sq-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/moon-valley-residence-phoenix-arizona-benjamin-hall-design_dezeen_2364_sq-1-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/moon-valley-residence-phoenix-arizona-benjamin-hall-design_dezeen_2364_sq-1-411x411.jpg 411w, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/moon-valley-residence-phoenix-arizona-benjamin-hall-design_dezeen_2364_sq-1-822x822.jpg 822w, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/moon-valley-residence-phoenix-arizona-benjamin-hall-design_dezeen_2364_sq-1-1233x1233.jpg 1233w, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/moon-valley-residence-phoenix-arizona-benjamin-hall-design_dezeen_2364_sq-1-852x852.jpg 852w, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/moon-valley-residence-phoenix-arizona-benjamin-hall-design_dezeen_2364_sq-1-213x213.jpg 213w, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/moon-valley-residence-phoenix-arizona-benjamin-hall-design_dezeen_2364_sq-1-1704x1704.jpg 1704w, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/moon-valley-residence-phoenix-arizona-benjamin-hall-design_dezeen_2364_sq-1-240x240.jpg 240w, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/03\/moon-valley-residence-phoenix-arizona-benjamin-hall-design_dezeen_2364_sq-1.jpg 2364w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 191px) 100vw, 191px\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Benjamin Hall Design uses masonry walls for accessory dwelling units in Arizona<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Walwas said he wanted the experience of going up and down the stairs to feel like a &#8220;surreal transition.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Stairs are a very unique opportunity to experience new sensations as you travel through space,&#8221; Warwas said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s also why there&#8217;s a skylight there. The natural light and the yellow work well together.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"preload-7\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2312714\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" data-lightboximage=\"https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_7-scaled.jpg\" data-orientation=\"portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2312714 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349994_490_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg\" alt=\"Los Angeles ADU bathroom\" width=\"1773\" height=\"2364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349994_490_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg 1x, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_7-1704x2272.jpg 2x\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1773px) 100vw, 1773px\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2312714\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Interior finishes are warm and colorful<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The interior design was overseen by Emily and Jason Potter, founders of DEN, a Los Angeles showroom specializing in 20th century vintage furniture.<\/p>\n<p>The project also included landscape interventions. Most of the driveway leading to the old garage was removed and a gate was installed between the front and back yards.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"preload-8\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2312707\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" data-lightboximage=\"https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_0-scaled.jpg\" data-orientation=\"portrait\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2312707 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349994_462_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg\" alt=\"Biben ADU LA\" width=\"1773\" height=\"2364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775349994_462_Biven-completes-Los-Angeles-home-with-sculptural-offset-ADU.jpg 1x, https:\/\/static.dezeen.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/by-ben-adu-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_0-1704x2272.jpg 2x\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1773px) 100vw, 1773px\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2312707\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Deck connecting the entrance and main house<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cThis really changes the garden experience,\u201d said the architect, noting that clients now use their backyards more often.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;There are still some changes in progress to the house, but so far the ADU has brought a sense of completion to their property that wasn&#8217;t there before.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Other ADU projects in the United States include Specht Novak&#8217;s windowless Austin residence and Mork Urnes&#8217; small building balanced on a hillside in northern California.<\/p>\n<p><em>Photographed by Taiyo Watanabe.<\/em><\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><strong>Project credits:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Architectural designer:<\/strong> bee<br \/><strong>designer:<\/strong> Ben Werwas<br \/><strong>Interior designer:<\/strong> Den (Emily and Jason Potter)<br \/><strong>Contractor:<\/strong> Some construction work<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>#Biven #completes #Los #Angeles #home #sculptural #offset #ADU<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Local studio Byben has created an accessory living unit called the Offset ADU in Southern California. The unit features an ipe wood cladding and curved elements that &#8220;soften the feel and look&#8221; of the building. The project is located in the backyard of a family home in the Mar Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles. Designed &#8230; <a title=\"Biven completes Los Angeles home with sculptural offset ADU\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/picsura.com\/?p=821\" aria-label=\"Read more about Biven completes Los Angeles home with sculptural offset ADU\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":822,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[502,1],"tags":[1862,1854,1859,1855,1856,972,1857,180,1858,1171,1861,1853,1860,708,741,878],"class_list":["post-821","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arts-design","category-general","tag-adu","tag-american-house","tag-angeles","tag-attached-dwelling-unit","tag-biven","tag-california","tag-completes","tag-home","tag-los","tag-los-angeles","tag-offset","tag-residential-architecture-and-interior","tag-sculptural","tag-section-all","tag-section-architecture","tag-united-states-of-america"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/821","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=821"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/821\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/822"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=821"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=821"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=821"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}