A groundbreaking co-living development in West Los Angeles is addressing the city's housing crisis while redefining how young residents live together. Barrington 1503, designed by California-based architecture firm Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects (LOHA), features 79 private bedrooms spread across 18 apartments, all organized around a central courtyard that serves as the project's social heart.
The four-story complex spans 24,200 square feet and consists of four distinct but connected volumes arranged on a rectangular site. The building's exterior features charcoal-colored aluminum panels and raked plaster facades, creating a modern aesthetic that stands out in the neighborhood. According to LOHA, the project introduces "much-needed density" to an area filled with college students and new residents, particularly given its proximity to the University of California, Los Angeles campus and Santa Monica College.
What sets Barrington 1503 apart from traditional apartment buildings is its innovative approach to communal living. Each of the 18 apartments contains a kitchen, living space, and either four or five bedrooms, with between two and four bathrooms per unit. The bedrooms range from approximately 104 to 130 square feet, each equipped with a full-sized bed, though most rooms could accommodate a queen-sized bed. All units come fully furnished, and tenants rent individual rooms rather than entire apartments, with roommates paired together by the management.
"Los Angeles faces dramatic increases in the cost of living, further exacerbated by the overwhelming prevalence of single-residence homes," LOHA explained. "The co-living model is growing rapidly, driven by increasing demand for affordable housing and a stronger sense of connection among residents." The architects note that a more typical development would have accommodated far fewer residents, making this project an "essential and viable alternative" to traditional housing models.
The design philosophy centers on what LOHA calls a "spatial social gradient," carefully balancing shared community spaces with well-defined private areas. This concept became particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the importance of skillfully managing the transition between social and private realms in communal living situations. The building reads as a cube that has been carved up to form the four volumes, which vary in size and shape around the sky-lit central courtyard.
Dappled sunlight filters through the complex's network of exterior corridors and stairs, which are lined with white railings and connect the four volumes. These circulation elements serve a dual purpose, facilitating both movement and social interaction throughout the building. "These pathways are more than just thoroughfares," the design team emphasized. "They are spaces of connection, allowing for chance encounters and fostering an organic sense of community."
The architects employed various design strategies to distinguish between public and private spaces within the apartments. Living room sliding doors and windows open toward the inner courtyard, providing a visual and physical connection to the building's social life. In contrast, bedroom windows are positioned along perimeter walls and face outward toward the city, offering residents privacy and views beyond the complex.
Interior finishes reinforce the transition between different zones within each unit. The design team used a soothing sage green in kitchens and living areas to evoke "lightness and tranquility," while hallway walls gradually darken as they lead toward the bedrooms, subtly signaling the transition into more restful, intimate spaces. Plywood cabinetry and wooden floors throughout the units create a warm, contemporary atmosphere.
While the building will likely appeal to students given its proximity to major educational institutions, Barrington 1503 is open to all types of residents, not just the college demographic. This inclusive approach reflects the broader applicability of the co-living model in addressing Los Angeles' housing challenges across different age groups and life stages.
The project represents more than just a single development; it serves as a prototype for future co-living projects in urban areas facing similar housing pressures. "The project thoughtfully addresses the complexities of communal living, providing an environment that supports both interaction and solitude in equal measure," LOHA stated. "Barrington 1503 not only embraces the promise of co-living but brings it to life with architectural precision, creating a model for 21st-century urban housing that is as functional as it is inspiring."
The Barrington 1503 project joins a growing number of co-living developments across America, including a complex near Hollywood by Bittoni Architects featuring white stucco cladding and 23 bedrooms, and a pale pink building in Massachusetts containing 30 units with extensive shared amenities. The project was completed with LOHA principal Lorcan O'Herlihy serving as principal-in-charge, with Brian Adolph as project director and Nicholas Muraglia as team lead, working with client Rize Alliance. Photography of the completed project was provided by Eric Staudenmaier.
