West Los Angeles VA Building 404
Los Angeles, CA
Located on the north half of the West Los Angeles VA Campus, the landscape surrounding Building 404 was designed as a series of accessible, restorative spaces for Veterans. The project includes three primary areas: the North Courtyard, the South Courtyard, and the East Terraces. Across all spaces, a cohesive plant palette of low-water-use grasses, native shrubs, and flowering trees ties the landscape together while reinforcing a strong Southern California identity.
The South Courtyard is shaded by Tipuana trees and framed by Redbuds. A series of smaller garden “rooms” with decomposed granite courts, wood decking, and concrete walkways create flexible spaces for shuffleboard, outdoor dining, yoga, and games. A BBQ counter anchors the southern edge, encouraging residents to gather for meals, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors together.
The East Terraces accommodate a significant grade change across the site. At the lower level, a winding path surrounds a grassy lawn that connects to the community room and a shaded sitting area near the sidewalk. Above, a Community Garden with raised planters gives residents the opportunity to grow fruits and vegetables.
The North Courtyard serves as the formal entry to the building, organized around a central walkway and framed by Koelreuteria trees and raised planters. A custom corten steel sculpture at the entrance honors the six branches of the U.S. Military. Each petal of the sculpture rises skyward and bends toward its neighbor, symbolizing unity and shared service. The names of each military branch are cut into the steel and backlit by in-grade lighting, creating a striking nighttime focal point and meaningful welcome for residents and visitors alike. Throughout the site, careful grading, ramps, and pathways ensure full accessibility, while the preservation of a large existing Eucalyptus tree provides shade and a strong sense of place.
Client
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Developer
Century Housing
Architect
KFA
Photographer
Jack Coyier