| Barely perceptible from the street above, the Kim Residence is designed to blend into the shadows of the La Canada foothills. Set on a slope below the road and shrouded in native oaks and redwoods, the house appears to float under the folding planes of its dark roof, which glows from beneath, through lit clearstories and concealed windows. This gray standing seam metal roof, a defining feature of this enigmatic home, provides textural contrast to the black stained cedar exterior siding and the softness of the surrounding landscape. The energy star rated standing seam metal roof and cool roof reflective paint keep the home at a lower temperature, reducing energy consumption for cooling by as much as 30%. The exterior of the home and the garage door are clad in Western Red Cedar siding, a renewable resource that is harvested from sustainably managed forests.
Approaching the residence down the sloped drive, the black basalt columns of a water feature puncture the ground plane of the restrained front entry court. From there, a single path of interlocking pavers, inlaid at intervals with LED bricks, takes visitors straight through the front entrance. The spine of the home is organized along a primary north-south axis that is defined by a glazed open channel through the house that connects the basalt water feature and path at the south entrance and, in perfect alignment, the existing pool and a sprawling oak tree on it's north end.
The common areas of the home are arranged along this primary north-south axis. Through the foyer, around the textured Lada stone wall, the first gathering space is the formal dining area. It’s defined by a dramatic downward fold in the ceiling that is continued through the adjoining window that overlooks the front arrival area and wooded property. Billowy pendant lights emphasize, through contrast, the acute angularity of the space and the austerity of the natural color palette, materials and furnishings, designed to show off the views outside.
By comparison, the custom kitchen is one of the more enclosed areas of the residence but, like the rest of the interiors, it is strictly edited to wood, stone and steel. All appliances and accessories are concealed within the natural walnut veneer cabinetry to create a seamless contemporary space. A stainless steel wall unit and matching center island countertop gleam underneath an overhead skylight, from which globed copper colored pendant lamps descend and reflect natural light. Attached to the kitchen, a more casual eating area is encased in glass walls and doors, lending a sense of dining al fresco.
The private areas of the home are organized along the secondary east-west axis, increasing in intimacy to the east wing. The office, guest room, powder room and laundry, which connect to the garage, are grouped on the west end. The more private east wing includes a bedroom, bathroom and the master en suite. The master bedroom is anchored by a large dual-sided gas fireplace mounted into a striated marble wall that is shared by the master bathroom. An oversized stone tub sits on the opposite side of the fireplace under a wraparound window that offers views of the woods outside. |
