Wagoya House: A Mid-Century Modern Masterpiece in Los Angeles

Welcome to Wagoya House, a stunning architectural marvel nestled in the heart of Los Angeles. This unique residence is a testament to the seamless fusion of natural materials, contemporary design, and a deep appreciation for the mid-century modern aesthetic. Designed and built for an extraordinary client who cherishes the beauty of organic elements, this home exudes elegance and harmony while embracing the principles of functionality and sustainability.

Natural Materials and Vertical Grain Douglas Fir Windows and Doors:

One of the defining features of Wagoya House is the extensive use of natural materials. The client’s love for all things organic is showcased through the vertical grain Douglas fir windows and doors, offering a warm and inviting ambiance but also providing a visual connection to the surrounding natural landscape.

A custom vertical grain feature wall creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow as the sun moves through the sky. The carefully aligned vertical panels cast captivating shadows that shift and evolve throughout the day, enhancing the visual depth and dimension of the space. As sunlight filters through the grains of the wood, it creates a mesmerizing play of light inside the home.

Taking inspiration from the iconic Eichler homes of the mid-century era, Wagoya House pays homage to their timeless architectural style. The large open living room features a striking steel and glass façade, merging the interior and exterior spaces. Natural light floods the living area, creating a sense of spaciousness and tranquility, while the panoramic views of the surrounding environment serve as a constant reminder of the home’s connection to nature.

The modern bathroom in Wagoya House offers a tranquil and clean aesthetic that elevates the morning routine to a luxurious experience. The wall-to-wall gray tiles create a sleek and sophisticated backdrop, accentuated by a beam of morning sunlight that streams in through a strategically placed window, casting a warm glow as you shower. Above the floating vanity, a flush integrated custom mirror reflects light and adds a touch of minimalist elegance. The satin chrome wall-mounted faucet and undermount sink countertop detailing further enhance the clean and minimalist aesthetic, exuding a sense of understated luxury. The bathroom is equipped with a rain shower and a convenient handheld attachment, allowing for a customizable bathing experience. A custom recessed shampoo niche adds practicality, ensuring a clutter-free and serene space. 

The custom vertical grain wardrobe cabinetry in the primary bedroom showcases impeccable craftsmanship and thoughtful design. The vertical grain wood panels, with their inherent elegance, create a sense of visual texture and sophistication. Equipped with touch-to-open and soft-close hardware, the cabinetry provides a seamless and effortless storage solution. As the soft morning light gently spills over the cabinetry, it accentuates the natural beauty of the wood grain, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Adjacent to the cabinetry, a large king-size bed takes center stage, offering a luxurious and comfortable retreat. 

The warm-toned wood door, opening to reveal the stunning vistas of lush Southern California native landscaping, establishes a seamless connection between the interior and the picturesque outdoor surroundings. This harmonious blend of refined cabinetry, warm lighting, and serene views creates a primary bedroom that exudes comfort, elegance, and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the environment.

Dominating the skyline of Wagoya House is the stunning stone chimney, a captivating vertical element that contrasts with the sleek lines of the steel standing seam roof. This juxtaposition of materials represents the delicate balance between nature and modernity, paying homage to the timeless mid-century modern aesthetic while embracing contemporary design principles.

Wagoya House stands as a testament to the power of architecture to harmoniously merge natural elements with modern design. The combination of vertical grain Douglas fir windows and doors, the Eichler home reference with a steel and glass façade, the custom vertical wood siding feature wall, smooth trowel earth-toned stucco, board form landscape feature walls, stone-clad entry, and the stone chimney penetrating the steel standing seam roof creates a symphony of textures and materials that celebrate the beauty of the surrounding environment.

Positioned strategically to allow the southwestern sun to flood the room, sunlight dances through, casting shadows and creating a dynamic interplay between light and shadow throughout the day.  The dining room showcases a careful selection of materials and features that celebrate the beauty of natural elements while embracing contemporary aesthetics. From the wide plank earthen oak flooring to the striking black steel pendant light, every detail has been meticulously crafted to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

Suspended from the ceiling, a mid-century modern black steel pendant light takes center stage in the dining room. Its sleek and minimalist design adds a touch of sophistication, while the black finish provides a striking contrast against the warm tones of the oak flooring. This lighting fixture not only illuminates the dining area but also serves as a captivating focal point, contributing to the overall ambiance and visual appeal of the space.

The use of corner glazing enhances the connection between the interior and the exterior. This design element not only provides unobstructed panoramic views of the surrounding landscape but also allows for refreshing cool breezes to flow into the space. The merging of indoor and outdoor elements creates a sense of unity with nature, making every meal a sensory experience that goes beyond taste alone.

Light and shadow create an ephemeral moment on the northwest entry corner as diffused silhouettes of foreground planting dance across the custom smooth metal roof edge, soffit and siding.

The integration of board form landscape feature walls serve as both a visual statement and functional elements, providing privacy and delineating outdoor spaces while harmonizing with the overall design scheme. The stone-clad entry wall, carefully crafted to align with the principles of Feng Shui, creates a captivating first impression while seamlessly blending with the natural surroundings. 

A custom-made laser-cut metal plate adds a touch of uniqueness to the house numbers. Employing the enduring beauty of corten steel, the plate develops a rich, earthy brown patina naturally over time, eliminating the need for paint. This material choice not only imparts color to the concrete wall but also harmonizes with the inviting warmth of wooden elements. 

The exterior custom concrete outdoor conversation lounge zone, conveniently located  off the kitchen, serves as a serene retreat for the homeowner amidst the bustling urban lifestyle. Enclosed by a minimalist steel gate, this inviting space offers a sense of privacy and tranquility. The focal point of the lounge zone is the captivating fire pit, providing warmth and a mesmerizing ambiance as evening sets in. Ambient lighting emanates from beneath the benches, casting a gentle glow that enhances the atmosphere and illuminates the night sky. This outdoor oasis invites the homeowner to unwind, engage in meaningful conversations, and find solace in a soothing environment, creating a perfect respite from the demands of daily life.

The overall ambiance within the house was dark and outdated, failing to reflect the potential of the space. The front façade was visually disjointed, with a combination of red brick and white vinyl siding that clashed and created a sense of visual confusion. The multiple roof planes added to the visual disarray. 

The original home, prior to its transformative remodel, was characterized by a dated and uninspiring appearance. Wrapped in vinyl siding, the exterior lacked character and depth, while the leaky windows contributed to a lack of energy efficiency. 

Additionally, the landscape lacked flow and privacy, leaving much to be desired in terms of creating a harmonious and enjoyable outdoor experience.