CLIENTUCLA

SERVICESMaster Planning, New Construction, Interiors

LOCATIONLos Angeles, CA

SIZE300,000 sq ft / 1,167 beds

STATUSCompleted 2022

CERTIFICATIONLEED Gold BD+C: NC®

This new 17-story, 1,167-bed building is a major step toward meeting UCLA’s goal of providing students with four years of housing. Gayley Heights relates to the existing scale and context of the neighborhood while meeting the need for greater density and more housing. Situated at the confluence of three major thoroughfares in Westwood Village, the building forms a prominent gateway to the UCLA campus.

View along Gayley Ave (Photo by Tim Griffith)
View along Gayley Ave (Photo by Tim Griffith)
Open green space (Photo by Tim Griffith)
Open green space (Photo by Tim Griffith)

The building steps back from the street to create an open green space, welcoming neighbors to take a stroll or take a break. Tucked at the back of the site, a private garden offers students a place to gather and relax.

Ground floor common areas face out to the plaza, bringing life and activity to the streetscape and connecting back to the neighborhood.

Private garden (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Private garden (Photo by Kim Rodgers)

Thoughtfully placed between the front and back gardens, the large, light-filled student commons offers a variety of places to study and socialize, including a TV lounge, meeting rooms, and a quiet study area, as well as fitness, laundry, and other support spaces.

Lobby (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Lobby (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Ground floor commons area (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Ground floor commons area (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Ground floor commons area (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Ground floor commons area (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Ground floor commons area (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Ground floor commons area (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Quiet area (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Quiet area (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Custom booths in quiet area (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Custom booths in quiet area (Photo by Kim Rodgers)

Inside the units, large operable windows let in light and fresh air, and take advantage of views across Westwood, strengthening the indoor/outdoor connection. Simple, authentic materials like exposed concrete reduce the building’s carbon footprint and maintenance costs while creating a cool loft-like vibe for the students.

UNIT TYPES

1Bd / 1Ba. : 630 - 755 sq ft  (22 Units)
2Bd / 2Ba. : 860 - 1,050 sq ft (138 Units)
3Bd / 3Ba. : 1,175 sq ft  (2 Units)
4Bd / 2Ba. : 1,230 sq ft (30 Units)

Corner unit (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Corner unit (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Unit bedroom (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Unit bedroom (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Unit bedroom (Photo by Kim Rodgers)
Unit bedroom (Photo by Kim Rodgers)

The project is located directly across the street from UCLA’s Levering Terrace Apartments, a 216-bed, 62,000 sq ft student apartment building also designed by STUDIOS.

Looking west toward Levering Terrace Apartments (Photo by Tim Griffith)
Looking west toward Levering Terrace Apartments (Photo by Tim Griffith)
View along Gayley Ave (Photo by Tim Griffith)
View along Gayley Ave (Photo by Tim Griffith)
View along Gayley Ave (Photo by Tim Griffith)
View along Gayley Ave (Photo by Tim Griffith)
Dusk view (Photo by Tim Griffith)
Dusk view (Photo by Tim Griffith)
Site and ground level plan
Site and ground level plan

PHOTOGRAPHYTim Griffith, Kim Rodgers