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Collection by Elaine Kubota

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Before: The low-slung home was nondescript, with the low roof line making it difficult for the interior to enjoy any expansive views.
Before: The low-slung home was nondescript, with the low roof line making it difficult for the interior to enjoy any expansive views.
Louis did much of the woodworking in the house, including the fabrication of the white oak stair treads. The ironwork was crafted by Alex and Gio Welding. A Glo Ball pendant by Jasper Morrison for Flos hangs in front of the staircase.
Louis did much of the woodworking in the house, including the fabrication of the white oak stair treads. The ironwork was crafted by Alex and Gio Welding. A Glo Ball pendant by Jasper Morrison for Flos hangs in front of the staircase.
Hollyhock House (1918, Los Angeles, California). This residence, the architect's first commission in Southern California, revolves around a central patio and contains multiple rooftop terraces.
Hollyhock House (1918, Los Angeles, California). This residence, the architect's first commission in Southern California, revolves around a central patio and contains multiple rooftop terraces.
A large island is now central to the space, with a dropped ceiling overhead that’s also functional, for it holds lights and a Miele Ceiling Extractor Range Hood.
A large island is now central to the space, with a dropped ceiling overhead that’s also functional, for it holds lights and a Miele Ceiling Extractor Range Hood.
To improve flow, Halsey and Levitt Halsey moved and modernized steps connecting the family room to the rest of the home.
To improve flow, Halsey and Levitt Halsey moved and modernized steps connecting the family room to the rest of the home.
New custom walnut cabinetry syncs with the rest of the built-ins throughout the home, to create a pleasing rhythm in the open plan. The backsplash is Heath Ceramics tile, and the counter is Pental Quartz. Open shelves at the rear overlook a cozy den, and allow sightlines out the new windows at the front of the home.
New custom walnut cabinetry syncs with the rest of the built-ins throughout the home, to create a pleasing rhythm in the open plan. The backsplash is Heath Ceramics tile, and the counter is Pental Quartz. Open shelves at the rear overlook a cozy den, and allow sightlines out the new windows at the front of the home.
Higgins and Gibson, a Footwear Designer at Nike, applied several coats of “the brightest generic factory white (basically primer),” says Higgins, to lighten up the interior considerably, and left the wood window trim in their natural state to draw the eye towards the river view.
Higgins and Gibson, a Footwear Designer at Nike, applied several coats of “the brightest generic factory white (basically primer),” says Higgins, to lighten up the interior considerably, and left the wood window trim in their natural state to draw the eye towards the river view.
The great room offers direct access to the wide veranda and extensive use of wood combined with the ample glazing brings the outdoors in.
The great room offers direct access to the wide veranda and extensive use of wood combined with the ample glazing brings the outdoors in.
The open-plan great room allows fluidity between functional spaces, while the vaulted wood ceiling contributes to a sense of spaciousness.
The open-plan great room allows fluidity between functional spaces, while the vaulted wood ceiling contributes to a sense of spaciousness.
The home features a generous wrap-around terrace with access off the great room.
The home features a generous wrap-around terrace with access off the great room.
The architects installed modern, floating stairs with a wooden tread and steel railings.
The architects installed modern, floating stairs with a wooden tread and steel railings.
This 7,072-square-feet, two-story house consists of 80 tsubos, which were re-organized to accommodate modern living.
This 7,072-square-feet, two-story house consists of 80 tsubos, which were re-organized to accommodate modern living.
A spiral staircase leads to the lower level.
A spiral staircase leads to the lower level.
Protected by an overhang, and floating above ground level, this tertiary space is known in traditional homes as the "engawa." To sustain a unified look throughout, the floor and ceiling are clad in ipe wood.
Protected by an overhang, and floating above ground level, this tertiary space is known in traditional homes as the "engawa." To sustain a unified look throughout, the floor and ceiling are clad in ipe wood.
Living room
Living room
Sliding glass doors and screens pull open to present framed views of nature, including the surrounding forests, private gardens, and the waters of Ago Bay. In the bathroom, deep stone tubs offer a private onsen experience, with the taps drawing water from nearby hot springs. When not soaking, step onto covered verandas to enjoy the natural surroundings at your leisure.
Sliding glass doors and screens pull open to present framed views of nature, including the surrounding forests, private gardens, and the waters of Ago Bay. In the bathroom, deep stone tubs offer a private onsen experience, with the taps drawing water from nearby hot springs. When not soaking, step onto covered verandas to enjoy the natural surroundings at your leisure.
Master Bathroom
Master Bathroom
The sofa and lights in the open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area are vintage.
The sofa and lights in the open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area are vintage.
The residents use either the black steel staircase or a glassed-in elevator by Wittur to get around the house.
The residents use either the black steel staircase or a glassed-in elevator by Wittur to get around the house.