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We Imagine Future Cities

Our global perspectives set the stage for vibrant experiences.

view through large window with hanging light fixture

Modern Bungalow

A Backyard Oasis for Urban Living

The design reverses the traditional bungalow by allowing the living spaces to open onto the backyard and the private rooms to face the street, maximizing Southern California living. The owners of this home wanted to create an interior world that would provide respite and contrast from the dynamic, urban lifestyle of Los Angeles.

The site of the home, located on the edge of Atwater adjacent to a series of adaptive reuse warehouses and rail tracks, was chosen to embrace the urban nature of the city. The owners wanted to feel the constant energy of L.A.’s transformation. They regularly walk within the neighborhood to run errands and to visit adjacent retail amenities on the weekend.

modern bungalow living room with kitchen table and large window

"We wanted to build on the idea of a borrowed view. Because of the layered foliage, everything feels like it's on our property, but it's not."

– Mark Motonaga, Creative Director, read the full article in Dwell Magazine

The urban house sought to embrace the American dream by integrating a complete set of outdoor spaces as habitable rooms. As a result, the footprint of the 1500-sq.-ft. house includes only what is required to support daily life while maximizing outdoor space and the generosity of Southern California’s climate.

The emphasis within the indoor spaces is always on the exposure to the vibrant outdoor courtyard, which was hand-planted by the residents with wildflowers, edible berries, and grasses to reflect an intimacy and detail that marks each moment inside the home. To maximize the outdoor space, the living spaces are organized along the backyard and side yard so that there is a constant flow from indoors to outdoors.

detail shot of plants
woman in swimming pool with large trees
man walking past open glass door with plants

The details play an important role in the story of this oasis. The primary living space functions like a loft by combining living, dining, and kitchen functions into an open concept. This main living area faces the garden from a slight perch above ground, giving the experience of a treehouse overlooking the backyard.

blue wall with view to outdoor tree and table
fern and plants in pots through glass door
outdoor table with yellow metal chairs

The simple set of spaces focuses inward and frames all views to the garden courtyard. Seven full-grown trees were carefully placed to create a sense of depth and layered complexity against the distant tree line of the neighborhood. 

backyard with large tree and pool
modern bungalow entrance
modern kitchen with deep blue wall and open shelves

Given the zoning, the front yard needed to remain publicly visible with a front façade that took into consideration the context of the home’s design. The side yard and backyard are thus visible while simultaneously perceived as private, habitable rooms. Each becomes a distinct living space that extends the precinct of the original bungalow into a more expansive living environment. 

The open vistas, framed views, and choreographed sequence of the spaces give the illusion that the house is bigger and more private than it might otherwise feel.

modern home exterior with fall foliage
pebble pathway with white architecture and tree
modern kitchen with blue wall and red hallway

Deep colors, jewel-toned leathers, accents of brass, blackened steel, and exuberant tile combine with simple fixtures to create an unapologetic cocoon that is either shadowy and cooling or warm and enveloping depending on the season.

view through pink wall to bathroom with blue tile
cat sitting on stool in modern kitchen
brightly colored abstract paintings leaning against wall
close up view of a table setting

The introverted oasis exists in total contrast to the residents’ routinely urban lives and brings a sense of wonder and introspection to daily rituals. 

architectural poster bed with pink walls and patterned rug
brightly lit shower with white tile and gold fixtures
two men smiling and holding cat in verdant backyard by pool

Collaborators

General Contractor: Ecostone Construction

Structural Engineer: Tuscher Engineering Group

Survey: Incledon Consulting Group

Landscape Design: RIOS

Lighting Design: RIOS

Interior Design: Guy Clouse with RIOS

Pool Contractor: John Crystal Pools

Landscape Contractor: Harold Jones Landscape

Metalwork: Jim Kirkpatrick

Sources and Manufacturers

Sofa: Stephen Kenn Studio

Custom Ceramic Coffee Tables: Ben Medansky

Hanging Lights: AIM Suspension Light by Flos 

Track lighting: LSI Lighting Services Inc

Floor Lamps:  Oda Lamp by Pulpo

Lounge Chair: Fly Series by &Tradition 

Dining Table: Croft House

Dining Chairs: Holly Hunt

Stools: Charles Ghost Stool by Philippe Starck for Kartell

Kitchen Faucet: Kallista for Ann Sacks

Appliances and Bathroom fixtures: Pirch

Wood Floors: Bois Chamois Hardwood Flooring

Window Wall: Tri-city Glass

Location

Los Angeles, California

Year Completed

2020

Markets

Residential

Disciplines

ArchitectureLandscape ArchitectureInterior ArchitectureVideo

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