Brooks + Scarpa envision California housing block as "carved-out cube"

Architecture studio Brooks + Scarpa has completed an all-electric, affordable housing complex in Santa Monica called 1819 Pico, which departs from the area's typical "defensive apartment buildings" with their solid walls and fences.

Located across the street from Santa Monica College, the residential complex – also known as Brunson Terrace – was designed for a half-acre corner site.

Totalling 52,200 square feet (4,850 square metres)...