The Penmar Project in Venice, California, is a new modern eco-friendly design by architect Magdalena Glen-Schieneman. Rather than the typical single family suburban modern design, this modern house iteration is instead a duplex in a decidedly urban beach setting.

Given the upkeep needed due to the location, Penmar was given a protective orange corrugated aluminum facade which runs in two directions to add interest from the exterior view.

Strategically placed windows bring the right amount of natural light and can help cool the house much of the year. While this often means passive cooling, Penmar can cool via a “chimney” effect where cooler air is drawn in through the windows while warmer air is pushed out through sky lights connected to rain sensors.

Though not LEED certified Penmar does use a number of eco-friendly products like non-VOC paints, recycled materials, and Energy Star rated appliances for lower energy and water usage.

One of the apparent goals of Penmar was to create a design that borrowed the best of more typical suburban houses, and adapt it to an urban lot that had more complicated space restrictions. We like the overall idea and result, and found the project a good one for our latest feature slideshow.

View Slideshow Here.