Famous Architect’s Earthquake-Resistant L.A. Home Debuts on Market for $3M

It’s always notable when an award-winning architect’s personal home hits the market for the first time.

So you can expect there to be interest in the landmark, Los Angeles abode of architect, artist, and educator David Ming-Li Lowe, who died in 2013.

The property was just listed for $3 million.

Lowe built the 3,913-square-foot, industrial modern dwelling in 1990. The innovative home was honored as part of the American Institute of Architects centenary celebration and was selected as one of the nation’s 100 most important residences, because of its earthquake-resistant design.

It’s one of the first houses—if not the first—in America, built on visco-damper base isolators (a little like shock absorbers), which protect it from damaging seismic waves.

Earthquake-resistant residence

The three-bedroom, 3.5-bath layout has a steel framework, which also helps make it earthquake resistant. Other metal assets, such as galvanized refrigeration panels and steel cabinetry, are used throughout the home.

But there are also warm touches—wood flooring, shelving, and ceilings; and vast walls of windows, which allow in plenty of natural light.

Technically, it’s logged as two condominium residences, and it’s zoned and ready for multiple purposes: two family dwellings; an architect’s office; or home base for a tech startup, a production studio, or an artists’ gallery/studio.

There’s also a private, gravel-covered, low-maintenance yard with a wooden deck and an inviting, uniquely styled teahouse.

Extra features include a two-car garage with an industrial, roll-up door; a basement; and solar panels to help power it all. 

The property is conveniently located in West L.A.’s Sawtelle neighborhood, close to UCLA, Silicon Beach, shopping, and numerous restaurants.

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