Modern Engawa Inspired

It all started with a web search of "modern engawa" to bring the homeowners together with Colega Architects. An engawa is a typical element in traditional Japanese houses. In its simplest description, it is an exterior walkway, typically constructed of wood, that surrounds the perimeter of the house. Beyond the physical, the engawa represents a filter between the interior and the exterior. It reinforces connection to nature. This was the vision the family had for their new home.

After dreaming of upgrading their house for years, the family, who set roots in the beautiful climate of Manhattan Beach, California decided to realize their dream. The existing footprint of the house was "L-Shaped" with with a good size backyard but the interior space did not take advantage of this seemingly obvious connection. The family's interest of a modern engawa, and their love for modern architecture, was the crux to the concept of the house redesign.

The footprint of the house was unchanged but the interior program was reorganized. A second story addition was designed for a true master suite. Freeing up space on the ground floor allowed for a dedicated office and the ability to remove interior walls and create the heart of the home - a great room with high ceilings and an impressive connection to the rear yard.

The living room, dining room and kitchen converge as one space at the elbow of the house. The 14 foot tall ceiling is finished with wood siding that bridges through the clerestory windows to the exterior eave. An interior corner glazing system slides away to connect the interior to the modern engawa on the exterior. The large glass doors pocket and stack out of site, allowing a seamless connection to the outside - embracing nature. The large deck is the outdoor entertaining area. A thin portion of it extends along the length of the house to connect to the new office paying homage to the traditional engawa.

The Architecture and Interiors of the house can be described as having a mid-century modern aesthetic, melded with a warm beachy palette. Wood is the main exterior material of the home. It is appears on all axis and experienced in multiple ways - above (ceilings and eaves), in front (walls) and below (decks). Texture and depth are evident throughout all aspects of the design. From the composition of the shifting roof planes, to the varied color of the wood and down to the raked textured tiles in the kitchen.

A design rooted in modernism with a concept originated by a traditional engwa.