Julius Shulman + Juergen Nogai
Sight lines from the kitchen and bath into other rooms expand th…
Growing up in South Korea, Cara Lee of lee+mundwiler architects spent a lot of time in courtyard houses. “The interior atrium is very important in traditional Korean architecture, especially in residential buildings,” she explains. So when she and fellow principal Stephan Mundwiler began designing an 1,800-square-foot Los Angeles house, they decided to use this concept as a starting point.
They carved a louver-walled courtyard into the rear of the plan, providing a private outdoor space on the small site. Folding glass doors connect the courtyard to the dining area and kitchen, and allow the client to move the custom dining table outdoors. “We designed the table to go inside and outside easily,” Lee says.
The owner’s previous kitchen received little light, so she asked Lee and Mundwiler to fill this one with sun. But its main exterior wall lies so close to a neighboring house that lining it with glass would have compromised privacy. Instead, a series of horizontal windows placed at seated eye level bring in light and views of the bamboo planted just outside. Light also flows in through the courtyard side of the kitchen. Reflective materials—including custom stainless steel counters, a frosted glass backsplash and cabinet fronts, and white-lacquered base cabinetry—capture and retain this natural illumination. The contents of a pantry under the stairs are obscured by a frosted glass wall, creating a sense of mystery and also helping to make the kitchen seem larger.
Upstairs, the master bath’s continuous walnut counter, limestone floor and tub surround, and operable windows let the courtyard view become the main focus. From the tub, the client can gaze down into that space or across to her bedroom. “At night, if she looks up, she can see the stars framed by the courtyard,” Lee says.
Project Credits
Builder: Niagara Construction, Culver City, Calif
Architect: lee+mundwiler architects, Santa Monica, Calif.
Living space: 1,800 square feet
Site: 0.06 acre
Construction cost: $300 per square foot
Photographer: Julius Shulman + Juergen Nogai, except where noted
Resources: Bathroom and kitchen fittings and fixtures: Boffi USA; Dishwasher and oven: Miele; Lighting fixtures: Louis Poulsen Lighting; Range: Wolf Appliance; Refrigerator: Sub-Zero.
