When a couple discovered Ray Kappe's neglected 1973 modernist structure in Los Angeles, they saw beyond its three decades of abandonment to recognize something extraordinary. The house had naturally grown into its landscape over time, with trees and architectural elements finding perfect unity. This organic integration immediately resonated with OWIU Design's unique sensibility, which emerged from years of movement between Singapore, various Asian cities, and their adopted Los Angeles home.
OWIU Design approached the Glass Ridge House renovation through a series of thoughtful interventions that honor both Eastern philosophy and California's distinctive relationship with landscape. The project represents a careful balance between preserving the original modernist vision while introducing elements that reflect the owners' multicultural experiences and appreciation for traditional craftsmanship.
The reimagined pool area exemplifies this harmonious approach, flowing seamlessly into the hillside views to create an uninterrupted connection between interior and exterior spaces. A carefully designed koi pond wraps around the entry, punctuated by a minimalist Japanese rock garden that serves as both artistic statement and meditative space. Every window in the house has been strategically positioned or enhanced to frame either water features, mature trees, or distant hills, making the existing natural environment as integral to the interior experience as any piece of furniture or lighting fixture.
One of the most significant features is the custom tea bar, which represents another careful balance of tradition and innovation. Framed by richly textured marble surfaces, the tea bar incorporates custom ceramic tiles created by Japanese artist Tomonari Hashimoto, whose distinctive work incorporates rice and millet into iridescent glazed surfaces. This dedicated space acknowledges tea's ceremonial importance in Eastern culture while maintaining clear separation from the kitchen's more utilitarian functions, creating a spatial hierarchy that reflects cultural priorities and the owners' appreciation for ritual and contemplation.
The project's most remarkable achievement lies in its collaboration with Kuboki Tatami, a family workshop that has been operating from Fukushima Prefecture since 1740. Rather than treating tatami as a museum piece or decorative element, OWIU Design integrates this traditional craft into contemporary living in meaningful ways. The sunken living room utilizes traditional tatami lining to provide both warmth and flexible seating options, creating a space that encourages both formal gatherings and casual relaxation.
This thoughtful integration of traditional Japanese craftsmanship extends throughout the home, including the master bedroom where a custom black tatami treatment lines the bed frame, creating an unexpected yet sophisticated contrast with the room's modern furnishings. The use of tatami demonstrates how centuries-old techniques can enhance contemporary living when applied with sensitivity and understanding.
The Glass Ridge House renovation stands as a testament to OWIU Design's ability to merge diverse cultural influences without compromising the integrity of either tradition. The project successfully transforms a neglected modernist structure into a home that celebrates both California's indoor-outdoor lifestyle and Eastern philosophical approaches to space, materiality, and daily ritual. Through careful attention to detail and respect for traditional craftsmanship, the designers have created a unique residential environment that feels both timeless and thoroughly contemporary.
