Project Data
Project Name: Metric Hotel
Location: 285 Lucas Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Architect: ANX / Aaron Neubert Architects
Interior Designer: House of Honey
Landscape Designer: ANX / Aaron Neubert Architects
Structural Engineers: Labib Funk + Associates
Civil Engineers: Barbara L. Hall, P.E., Inc.
MEP Engineers: Robison Engineering Inc.
Code Consultant: Churchill Engineering
Budget: $3,000,000
Project Completion Date: June 2021
General Contractor: Paat & Kimmel
Photographer: Brian Thomas Jones
In the heart of Los Angeles, where culture and community converge, stands the Metric Hotel – a beacon of innovative architectural prowess and a testament to the power of collaboration between design and community engagement. This boutique hotel, a result of the visionary work of Aaron Neubert Architects (ANX), has not only revitalized a tired motel but has also redefined the very essence of hospitality. With a keen focus on sustainable practices, community integration, and exquisite design, the Metric Hotel has set a new standard for quality accommodations.
Architectural Brilliance and Design Concepts
ANX Architects embarked on a journey to transform the Metric Hotel into an avant-garde space that seamlessly merges with its surroundings. The architects’ commitment to embracing the existing fabric of the Westlake community guided their creative process. By collaborating closely with the community and holding insightful outreach sessions, ANX ensured that the hotel’s design harmonized with the community’s needs and aspirations.
One of the most striking design elements is the hotel’s innovative use of site-constructed and modular building components. These components not only complement the street’s existing scale but also contribute to the neighborhood’s aesthetic harmony. The Metric Hotel is a departure from the uniformity of mainstream hotels in downtown Los Angeles, catering to young, budget-conscious travelers who seek authenticity and a unique experience.
Awards and Community Integration
The accolades for the Metric Hotel‘s architectural brilliance were swift to follow. The Westside Urban Forum Awards of 2022 celebrated the hotel as an “excellent reinterpretation of an existing use,” acknowledging its profound impact on the community by meeting unmet needs and enhancing the urban environment. This recognition highlights ANX Architects’ dedication to crafting spaces that resonate with both residents and visitors, transcending the conventional definition of a hotel.
The Metric Hotel‘s owners have seamlessly woven their commitment to the local economy into the fabric of the establishment. The hotel proudly supports the community by sourcing staff, maintenance services, and products exclusively from within the neighborhood, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of economic sustenance.
Design Elements That Define
The Metric Hotel‘s architecture is an artistic symphony that unfolds across its various facades. The front façade exudes modernity, with its rhythmic arrangement of reflective ribbed metal panels and expansive windows that frame panoramic views of distant mountains and the bustling downtown area. Meanwhile, the side façade is a canvas brought to life, adorned with guest room shadow box windows that create an ever-changing interplay of light and shadows, echoing the journey of the sun.
The rear façade, on the other hand, is a testament to the hotel’s commitment to experiential design. An awe-inspiring egress stair connects the ground floor to the roof, an architectural marvel that seamlessly blends functionality and aesthetic appeal. Each floor of the Metric Hotel tells a story of its own, from the vibrant ground floor lobby to the elegantly appointed guest rooms that offer comfort and style in equal measure.
A Collaborative Dream Realized
The Metric Hotel stands not just as a hospitality haven but as a living embodiment of the shared vision between ANX Architects and the Westlake community. Its completion in June 2021 marked the realization of a dream nurtured by ANX’s team, led by the visionary architect Aaron Neubert. With an unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and community engagement, the Metric Hotel stands as a beacon of hope for the future of architectural design and its harmonious coexistence with local communities.
