Blackbirds housing community in Echo Park

Three freestanding homes are designed to look like one and a half in an effort to conceal density. The homes are separated by a six-inch gap that is covered by a zipper-like flap normally used for waterproofing.

In an effort to avoid repetition, each of the 18 units is compositionally unique. “Each one has its own advantages,” says project architect Stacey Thomas. “We tried to make each one a little different.”

Architect Barbara Bestor’s design encourages interaction. “Everyone faces their neighbors, “ says Bestor, who placed all of the kitchens along the perimeter of the courtyard where people come in and out.

Inside, the Blackbirds homes have an open floor plan on the first floor that includes the kitchen, dining and living room.

The interiors, which are quite narrow at 18 to 24.5 feet wide, have a spacious feel due to open floor plans with cooktop islands and bar seating.

Views of Echo Park from a second floor master bedroom at Blackbirds.

Although Bestor tried to make each unit a little different, there are repeated elements in bathrooms and kitchens. In the kitchen: Arcadia aluminum architectural windows, Bosch appliances, Carrara marble countertops.

An alcove at the top of the stairs serves as a flexible work space.

A side-by-side bedroom and bathroom at Blackbirds. Most units are 18 feet wide.

Cloth drapes are used in place of closet doors to add a soft element at Blackbirds.

A bathroom at Blackbirds.

The interiors, which are quite narrow at 18 to 24.5 feet wide, have a spacious feel due to vaulted ceilings and skylights.

Casey Lynch, co-president of Local Construct Inc., takes in the view from the first-floor living room of a two-bedroom unit.

The homes’ pitched roofs and black and white exterior cladding are a striking addition to the steep Echo Park hillside. The landscape design is by Mia Lehrer + Associates.

A backyard and patio area in the Blackbirds development.

A view of the parking court and flexible living street is seen from the second floor window of a two-bedroom unit.