When SweisKloss was tasked with constructing a new home for a family of four in Sunset Park, dedicating a space where the adults could find serenity and quiet elegance was crucial. The result was this contemporary and stylish library.
Read MoreCreepy ghouls and goblins, spooky skeletons and frightening jump scares may sound like just some Halloween fun – but designing a truly scary haunted house is serious business. According to the Wall Street Journal, “haunted houses are a $500 million industry” visited by 46.5 million people last year in the U.S.
Read MoreOctober is National Book Month and that means it’s time for SweisKloss’ 2nd annual guide to independently owned bookstores in the Los Angeles area. From a store brimming with plants to a club dedicated to YA selections to a haven for Spanish children’s books, this year’s list of independent bookstores offers something for every type of reader and for those who just like to soak in the ambiance.
Read MoreAll over social media, enthusiasts are celebrating “PSL” this autumn season. At SweisKloss, PSL isn’t about our favorite Pumpkin Spiced Latte. In architectural terms, PSL, or parallel strand lumber, is when parallel wood strands are joined together using structural adhesive. A timber revolution is sweeping the construction industry as wood’s sustainability and environmentally friendly attributes become a key tool in reducing waste.
Read MoreFrom terra-cotta clay tile roofs and white stucco walls, to soft arches and carved wooden doors, the Spanish Colonial Revival style is prevalent throughout southern California. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 – Oct 15), we thought we’d showcase this early twentieth century style that, “represents an adaption of Spanish missions and Mediterranean-style homes, … while also [takes] inspiration from Mexican, Pueblo and Moorish design styles” (masterclass.com).
Read MoreBlurring the lines between the indoors and outdoors is a SweisKloss’ design ethos and these massive windows in the primary bedroom of our recent new build showcase that philosophy.
Read MoreIn honor of National Tradesmen Day on September 20th, we are taking this opportunity to celebrate the workers that help us bring SweisKloss’ beautiful designs to life.
Read MoreThe Chinese mid-autumn moon festival takes place on September 17, a few of days after an asteroid the size of two football fields is expected to closely pass Earth. No need to panic – collision is highly unlikely, but a celestial spectacle is possible. That got us thinking about skygazing and planetarium design.
Read MoreSweisKloss always incorporates thoughtful solutions in sustainability and resiliency into our projects. Our recent new-build in the Westchester neighborhood is a case study in such solutions. In this home we incorporated passive design, energy efficient systems, natural light, water saving features and recycled materials.
Read MoreJust in time for the dog days of summer, SweisKloss designed and constructed this modern pool and spa for a recent new build. The homeowner wanted a contemporary pool and spa to be designed and built on the rectangular shaped lot in time for the summer months. Excavation for the 12’ x 17’ 8’ deep pool and 3’6” deep spa were started right away.
Read MoreAir travel can be chaotic and anxiety inducing. Crowds jostling to check bags, long lines at security, no room to sit at the gate, flight delays and cancellations, and this is all before leaving the airport! “Given record-breaking crowds at airports already this year, … this Labor Day weekend could be busier than any prior.. weekend,” according to Nerdwallet. And, during this long holiday weekend, the TSA expects to screen more than 14 million passengers (PR Newswire).
Read MoreHaving grown up with a brother confined to a wheelchair has afforded me a unique perspective on the challenges of adapting a home to accommodate disabilities ---rearranging furniture in the living room, finding space at the dining room table, and I could give a Masterclass on angling into the bathroom!
Read MoreIt may feel like the summer is just getting started this week with temperatures soaring and the marine layer finally lifting, but it’s back to school for many students later this month. And every parent knows what that means –- endless lists of school supplies, shopping for new clothing, packing daily lunches. This back to school season we thought we would give you some tips on the other 3 “R”s – reduce, reuse and recycle.
Read MoreWhile gold is the goal of the Olympics, Paris is setting its sights on green, aiming to cut its carbon footprint in half compared to previous Games. “The last three Games produced an average of 3.5 million tons of CO2, which is more than the annual emissions of India and Germany combined,” according to NBC Boston.
Read MoreAs Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” … unless we’re comparing before and after photos from our projects! Once a project is complete, it’s a joy to look back and see how far we’ve come. These images showcase how SweisKloss’ innovative and thoughtfully designed renovations transformed these spaces from before to after!
Read MoreEven space stations. To acknowledge the 55th anniversary of man walking on the moon this Saturday, we thought we’d boldly go where we have not gone before in this blog – space!
Read MoreWe all know the evils of plastic (contributes to climate change, damages marine ecosystems, harmful to our health) and we’ve all heard the call… Go plastic free, opt for sustainable products, aim for zero waste. Nevertheless, since July is “Plastic Free” month, we thought we would take this opportunity to remind us all of ways to use less plastic.
Read MoreSummer means backyard barbecues, picnics with friends and relaxing poolside. We thought we would share some of our staff’s favorite summer drinks (including non-alcoholic and kid friendly ones) to help make your gathering more festive and fun.
Read MoreToday is the official start of summer!! So, now is the perfect time to transform your backyard into an oasis you can enjoy throughout the season (and beyond). These features will not only elevate your space, but also allow you to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style all year long.
Read MoreAnyone living in Los Angeles has seen or maybe even eaten at Norm’s, the iconic diner located on La Cienega, with a sweeping roof, bold use of glass, neon and steel, and most memorable, a sawtooth sign. Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, Norm’s is a stellar example of the Googie architect trend that was the rage in Southern California in the mid-twentieth century.
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