Westminster House, Venice Beach, California

Westminster House in Venice Beach

August 4, 2026

Architecture: Bau10

Location: Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California, USA

Photos: Dennis Hill

Located in Venice Beach, the Westminster House project expands a 100-year-old bungalow with a 3 story building to accommodate a modern family of four. The 3 story new added building is structurally independent of the existing bungalow.

By balancing architectural heritage with contemporary coastal living, we decided to design an addition which appears as an individual building, not only because of its height but also roof shape and direction. Rather than merging old and new into a monolithic volume, the design establishes a clear dialogue between the two distinct forms and orientations.

The original bungalow retains its historical and structural integrity, while the new three-story addition presents its own identity. On the existing historic level we kept and repaired the front porch, which still invites for chatting with the neighbors and enjoying the morning sun.

Keeping the existing bungalow was a key design strategy to keep the existing street apparel.

The new addition has continuous wraparound verandas which draws natural light and sea breezes deep into the structure. Inside, an open-to-below void creates a dramatic double-height atmosphere. Seamless indoor-outdoor living is achieved on the ground floor, where expansive pocket sliding doors open the kitchen and dining areas directly to the poolside patio and garden.

At the top level, the third-floor primary bedroom works as a loft on the expansive roof deck. Offering sweeping, panoramic views across Venice, this rooftop with a central fire dish is creating a versatile day-to-night space for both intimate relaxation and effortless hosting.

What were the primary design and construction challenges encountered when adding to an existing bungalow, and how were they overcome?

The primary design ideas are – preserving the existing street apparel with the front row of Venice bungalows – two stand alone building which complement each other – structural independence – in order to meet the program we decided to go up 3 stories in order to have a pool and garden area on the existing small lot – we decided on a wood facade to compliment the original existing Venice bungalow

Westminster House in Venice Beach, CA – Building Information

Architects: Bau10 – https://bau10.com/

Structural Engineer: Craig Phillips

Project size: 3300 ft2
Site size: 5203 ft2
Project budget USD 750,000
Completion date: 2018
Building levels: 3

Photography: Dennis Hill

Westminster House, Venice Beach California images / information received 040826

Location: Venice Beach, Southern California, United States of America

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