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OWIU Design Transforms Ray Kappe’s Glass Ridge House Into a Tranquil Retreat

BBG News

Summary

  • OWIU Design has renovated the 1973 Glass Ridge House, originally built by renowned American architect Ray Kappe
  • The renovation blends Eastern and Western design influences, while also integrating natural elements such as flowing water, tatami flooring and artisan-crafted details

OWIU Design has given a fresh take on the Glass Ridge House, once a forgotten 1973 Ray Kappe property, turning it into a peaceful sanctuary. Situated in a quiet dead-end street in La Cañada Flintridge, Los Angeles, this project was overseen by Amanda Gunawan and Joel Wong, the visionaries behind OWIU Design. The renovation embodies their unique blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics, combined with natural materials and meticulous attention to detail. This revamped home mirrors their design ideology, taking cues from numerous travels and multicultural encounters, while preserving the original architecture and its ongoing connection with the surrounding environment.

The transformation centers around running water, featuring an internal stream encased in glass, a koi pond at the entrance, and a revamped pool that harmoniously merges with the surrounding green hills dotted with trees. OWIU prioritizes water, plants, and open areas to be essential components of the house, highlighting nature as primary design elements, thereby transforming the dwelling into a tranquil modern retreat.

Gunawan, Wong, and Kuboki Tatami, a family-owned tatami workshop from Fukushima Prefecture, worked together to bring traditional Japanese flooring into unique settings. The cozy sunken pit living room, adorned with tatami, boosts both comfort and practicality while resonating with Asian cultural practices of conversing at floor level. Likewise, the bed is encased in specially treated black tatami, infusing a soft texture and depth into the minimalist design scheme.

The commitment of this establishment towards genuine materials extends even to their tea bar, which is deliberately segregated from the main kitchen area. Adorned by textured marble, this cozy nook showcases custom ceramic tiles designed by Hashimoto Tomonari, an acclaimed Japanese potter from Shigaraki. His unique pieces, made with natural materials such as rice and millet, create a one-of-a-kind marbled glaze.

This home is filled with a cozy, lived-in charm, enhanced by travel treasures, artisan partnerships, and deeply meaningful details. Much of the furniture was specially crafted by Inflexion Builds, allowing for a harmonious blend between custom pieces and the house’s organic architecture. The kitchen and dining areas prioritize both practicality and social interaction. Large windows and high ceilings create bright, airy environments, while the dark redwood ceiling in the dining area and the blackened wood bar contribute to an intimate setting.

Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese ryokans, OWIU envisions homes as peaceful sanctuaries in contrast to bustling cities like Los Angeles. The studio aims to create areas for reflection and tranquility amidst the hectic urban setting. The remodel of Glass Ridge House mirrors the studio’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, preserving the past while crafting an elegant and enduring future.

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2025-05-27 07:26

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