![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-1.jpg)
Sapphire Gallery by XTEN Architecture 2
Los Angeles practice XTEN Architecture have completed a gallery perched on top of an art collector's house in Los Angeles.
![sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-10.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-10.jpg)
Called Sapphire Gallery, the project involved creating a space to display the owner's private collection of artwork that could also be used for family activities.
![sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-9.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-9.jpg)
The extension is elevated to allow for parking, a play area, and space for parties and projections underneath.
![sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-8.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-8.jpg)
The structure was built in a factory and assembled on site in one day.
![sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-7.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-7.jpg)
More information about the project in our previous story.
![sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-2.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-2.jpg)
Photographs are by Art Gray.
![sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-3.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-3.jpg)
The following text is from the architects:
--
Sapphire
Residential Gallery Addition to Private Residence, Los Angeles, California
The Sapphire Gallery is a residential addition designed to display a private collection of contemporary art while also providing for a home office with views to the surrounding hills.
![sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-4.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-4.jpg)
The owners’ collection includes work by the artists Gregory Crewdson, Uta Barth, Tomoroy Dodge and the video artist Jennifer Steinkamp, and they expressed interest in a new building that would be more than just a container for their expanding art collection.
![sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-18.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-18.jpg)
The new building would have be multivalent; with suitable spaces for the artworks, but it would also have to be open to the views, provide for various domestic program spaces, and create a compelling new focal point for the approach and entry to the residence.
![sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-15.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-15.jpg)
The new structure is grafted onto the circulation spine of the existing house and lifted off the ground to provide a minimal footprint.
![sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-14.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-14.jpg)
Freeing the ground plane creates a new multi-functional hardscape/landscape area for the family that they use as carport, children's play area, for art parties and video projections.
![sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-6.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-6.jpg)
A structural system of lightweight braced frames was developed. They were factory built and assembled by crane in one day.
![sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-17.gif](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-17.gif)
These trusses rest upon moment frames that clear span the open ground plane in the perpendicular direction, and the floor and roof diaphragms are infilled with typical 2x wood framing.
![sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-16.gif](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-16.gif)
The system proved to be a remarkably simple, flexible and cost-effective way to achieve the program parameters of the project.
![sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-13.gif](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-13.gif)
The remaining details are simple and direct: casement windows, quartz pebble flooring, steel stairs and railings with perforated panels, infill walls of gypsum board with floor to ceiling pivot doors, full height glass with a ceramic coating for UV and solar protection.
![sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-11.gif](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-11.gif)
An array of photovoltaic cells on the South facing sloped roof produces an average of 15kWh per day, enough to supply all the energy for the new building with a surplus directed towards the main house.
![sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-12.gif](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/sapphire-gallery-by-xten-architecture-2-12.gif)
More about XTEN Architecture on Dezeen:
.
![150-sapphire-gallery-by-xte.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/06/150-sapphire-gallery-by-xte.jpg)