Mid-century fashionable and conventional Japanese influences merge on this Los Angeles residence that the principals of design studio OWIU reimagined for themselves.
Close to Silverlake Reservoir on the east facet of city, the home was initially in-built 1962 by famous mid-century architect Carl Maston, then owned and redesigned by Swiss architect Pierre de Meuron.
The property was bought to OWIU executives Joel Wong and Amanda Gunawan by de Meuron's son, and the duo set about restoring the constructing whereas tailoring the weather to their tastes.
“For Wong and Gunawan, it was a symbolic alternative to increase the legacy of the home,” the studio mentioned in a press release.
The couple saved structural parts just like the brick ground downstairs and left the essential format comparatively untouched.
Nonetheless, they imbued the areas with Japanese design parts – much like these usually present in conventional ryokan or inns – to create a way of tranquility within the metropolis.
“A home shouldn't wake you up energetically,” Gunawan mentioned. “It must be a spot for meditation. You come residence to recharge, to rebalance.”
For instance, sliding floor-to-ceiling shoji screens have been put in on each flooring to offer choices for partitioning areas and permitting for privateness.
The sunshine-filled dwelling space enjoys a double-height ceiling and is furnished with a mixture of up to date and mid-century items, together with a Le Corbusier LC4 chair.
A mezzanine above the eating space creates a extra intimate area, which is warmed by Akari lamps above the picket desk.
OWIU added a customized kiln-dried Douglas fir platform on the base of the staircase “to remind visitors that they’re 'ascending' right into a extra intimate area,” and likewise put in a customized console to match the curve of the touchdown.
Upstairs rooms are equally vibrant and open, with white partitions, picket furnishings and flooring, and pale linen materials, all used for his or her calming qualities.
Regardless of being in downtown Silverlake, the home is surrounded by greenery and feels comparatively secluded, in response to OWIU.
The reference to the surface is enhanced by giant home windows that face the plush foliage, breaking apart the weathered picket facades.
“I by no means understood why we needed to go away the town or go far to really feel like we have been in nature,” Gunawan mentioned. “I like that we will construct a house that brings a way of retreat and peace to my on a regular basis life.”
She and Wong additionally constructed a glass-encased extension that homes a wellness heart with a sauna and chilly tub for rejuvenation and meditation.
This isn't the primary time OWIU has sought references to conventional Japanese inns for his or her LA tasks.
The studio beforehand took an analogous method when renovating one other mid-century home in addition to an residence in an previous biscuit manufacturing facility – each including parts of Japanese design to the areas.
Images is by Justin Chung.