Tucked away in a quiet La Cañada Flintridge cul-de-sac, the Glass Ridge House stands as a striking homage to mid-century modernism and cross-cultural design. Initially conceived in 1973 by Ray Kappe, co-founder of SCI-Arc, the home recently underwent a meticulous reimagining by OWIU Design’s Amanda Gunawan and Joel Wong, both SCI-Arc alumni.

Neglected for decades, the property had nonetheless formed a natural harmony between its architecture and the surrounding landscape. Drawing from their Singaporean roots and California experience, the duo fused Eastern philosophies of natural integration with the rugged elegance of the Golden State.

The renovation brought water into the heart of the home—a koi pond embracing the entryway, an indoor stream flowing through the sunroom, and a reconfigured swimming pool designed to frame the hillside views. Every window offers a connection to water, trees, or distant ridgelines.

Daily rituals shaped the interiors: a dedicated tea bar with green stone countertops and iridescent ceramic tiles by Japanese artist Hashimoto Tomonari anchors the dining area. At the same time, the sunken living room’s tatami mats from a centuries-old Fukushima maker invite informal gatherings. The primary suite’s black tatami bed frame and carefully curated blend of mid-century and contemporary furnishings reflect a tonal palette of black, neutrals, and natural textures.

Externally, black-stained wood and expansive glass maximize the valley panorama. OWIU’s reimagining honors both Kappe’s architectural legacy and the home’s natural setting—an elegant intersection of place, history, and personal narrative.

For more architecture news, see the OM House by AN NAM Architecture.