MARINA DEL REY, CA-A new 50-unit condominium loft project called the Element that is being developed by John Laing Homes will employ a rare type of construction, according to the Cunningham Group, the architectural firm for the project. The Element's design relies on a pre-cast moment frame, one of relatively few in the country that have been used on loft developments in the country, according to the architectural firm.

The moment frame uses no sheer walls, which allows ceiling heights of up to 32 feet, with no columns in the unit, according to Laing's LA/Ventura Division and Cunningham. The project, costing an estimated $11 million to build, is under way on a site on Glencoe Avenue between Maxella Avenue and Washington Boulevard.

The project consists of four stories of condominiums above two parking levels. Because the design does not incorporate sheer walls or columns, the moment frame creates a building that can very easily be adapted to other uses, such as office or retail, the architect notes.

The lofts, ranging from 900 sf to 1,600 sf, will feature polished concrete floors, large aluminum windows, exposed concrete ceilings, private balconies, garage door openings and track-sliding partition walls. The project is scheduled to open in the fall of 2006.

Cunningham is also designing another Marina del Rey loft project for Laing that is expected to be open in the winter of 2006. Called the Indigo, it will feature 77 luxury condominiums.