Cacti gardens, a yoga studio and a saltwater swimming pool with sunbathing platforms are among the features at a large housing complex in Los Angeles, designed by US firms Commune and VTBS Architects.
The El Centro Apartments & Bungalows complex is located on Hollywood Boulevard, near a metro station, and landmarks like the Capital Records building and Hollywood Walk of Fame. The area has several new developments, including a Netflix office complex slated to open next year.

LA-based Commune oversaw the design of El Centro's residences and public spaces. VTBS Architects, which has offices in California and Colorado, served as the architect of the building.
Occupying a full city block, El Centro is composed of four seven-storey buildings arranged around outdoor plazas and walkways. At the heart of the complex are a saltwater swimming pool, hot tub and sunbathing decks that are "reminiscent of a Palm Springs postcard".
Facades are wrapped in grey, ivory and orange-hued cladding. Distinctive plantings were incorporated throughout the development, including a cacti garden that marks the main entrance on Hollywood Boulevard.

"Passageways and four courtyard gardens are lushly planted with exotic specimens of cacti, wild succulents, towering palms and other drought-sensitive species," the team said. "The feeling of an urban oasis winds through the courtyard and amenities and up into the residences."

Commune ? which has an extensive portfolio...