Eastern Philosophy Meets California Style: Discover the Unique Glass Ridge House!

When a couple stumbled upon a modernist structure from 1973 designed by Ray Kappe, which had been overlooked for thirty years, they saw more than just a chance for renovation. Over the decades, the architecture had harmoniously merged with its natural surroundings, creating a fusion of flora and built form. This blend of nature and architecture resonated deeply with OWIU Design, influenced by their experiences across Singapore, several Asian cities, and their new base in Los Angeles.

Glass Ridge House embodies a renovation approach that respects both Eastern philosophies and the Californian way of living with nature. The redesigned swimming pool merges effortlessly with the surrounding hills, and a koi pond encircles the entrance, complemented by a simple Japanese rock garden. Each window offers views of either water, trees, or hillsides, integrating the outdoors with the indoor spaces as much as any decor or light fixture.

The tea bar in the house strikes a delicate balance between traditional values and modern design. Surrounded by textured marble, it is adorned with bespoke ceramic tiles by Japanese artist Tomonari Hashimoto, known for his unique use of rice and millet in iridescent glazes. This space is dedicated to the ritual of tea, intentionally set apart from the kitchen’s everyday functional use, reflecting a cultural significance placed on spatial use.

A notable aspect of the project is the collaboration with Kuboki Tatami, a family-owned business which has been crafting tatami mats in Fukushima Prefecture since 1740. OWIU Design has reimagined the use of tatami, not as a relic of the past but as a vibrant element of modern decor. In the sunken living room, tatami mats provide not only insulation but also versatile seating options. This theme continues in the bedroom, where a bespoke black tatami mat lines the bed frame, enhancing both aesthetics and comfort.