Thinking Outside The Box: Cherokee Lofts

The exterior of a building can be downright plain, like a big gray box. Or it can be lively and punctuated with color. It all depends on the people inside the building.

The main architectural feature of Cherokee Lofts is the building's owner-controlled operable double façade system, which allows the occupants to adjust, at will, the operable screens of the building's outer façade.

As described by the architect, "The perforated anodized aluminum panels of the building creates an ever- changing screen that sparkles in the sun and glows at night, while simultaneously providing shade to cool the building, reducing noise, enhancing privacy, and still allowing for spectacular views, great natural light and ventilation from ocean breezes which pass through its millions of perforations even when all panels are closed."

In essence, the occupants are continuously redesigning the façade from within, creating a live canvas. Super cool!

Cherokee Lofts, an urban infill mixed-use project designed by Pugh + Scarpa in downtown Los Angeles, is expected to achieve LEED Platinum certification. There are 12 lofts ranging in size from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet and 2,800 square feet of retail space. Sustainable features include extensive use of passive design strategies that have combined to make the building 40 percent more efficient than California Title 24.

A 30kw PV solar system powers all common area electrical loads and approximately 11.5 percent of the heating and hot water needs for the building.

Water conservation is accomplished with dual flush toilets, efficient plumbing fixtures, hot water circulators, and drought tolerate landscaping. All storm-water runoff is collected in an underground retention basin located in the public right-of-way, the first such storm-water system in the city of Los Angeles.

Occupants enjoy a green roof, which also contributes to energy efficiency and storm-water management. Located within walking distance to many neighborhood community needs and services, the building scores "Walker's Paradise" (94 out of 100) on walkscore.com.

Cherokee Lofts is truly an occupant-focused, and therefore most certainly, an occupant-happy place to live. Truly super cool.