"When a couple discovered Ray Kappe's 1973 modernist structure, neglected for three decades, they recognized something beyond mere architectural potential. The house had grown into its landscape, trees and structure finding unity over time. This natural integration spoke directly to OWIU Design's sensibility - one that emerged from years of movement between Singapore, various Asian cities, and their adopted Los Angeles home."
"Framed by textured marble, it features custom ceramic tiles by Japanese artist Tomonari Hashimoto, whose work incorporates rice and millet into iridescent glazed surfaces. This dedicated space acknowledges tea's ceremonial importance while maintaining separation from the kitchen's more utilitarian functions - a spatial hierarchy that reflects cultural priorities. An important highlight is their collaboration with Kuboki Tatami, a family workshop operating from Fukushima Prefecture since 1740."
A neglected 1973 Ray Kappe modernist house evolved into its landscape over thirty years, with trees and structure forming a unified presence. The renovation by OWIU Design integrates Eastern philosophy with California landscape sensibilities to prioritize views and nature. The reimagined pool and koi pond frame the hillside and entry, complemented by a minimalist Japanese rock garden. Windows consistently frame water, trees, or hills to make nature integral to interiors. A textured marble tea bar features custom ceramic tiles by Tomonari Hashimoto and maintains separation from the kitchen to honor tea's ceremonial role. Collaboration with Kuboki Tatami brings centuries-old tatami craft into contemporary use for seating and bedroom detailing.
Read at Design Milk
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]