Rockefeller Kempel Architects designed this striking home with casual sophistication, located in Encino, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California. This home is the story of a classic 1960’s California tract home reimagined to a two-story modern gem with heart and purposeful flow.
The architects reconfigured the original 2,900 square foot compartmentalized space into an open floor plan where each room on the bottom level, while connected, has its own character drawing attention to use and delineation through a combination of both varied floor materials and unique ceiling volumes.
The homeowners desired an entertaining space for the weekly gathering of their friends and family. To meet this need, a large, open kitchen was created, which became the heart of this home. It feeds directly to the large living room and to the oversized dining room giving events, large and small, room to flex as needs arise.
To expand the entertaining space further, large exterior doors were added to each of the three rooms opening to the backyard which hosts a generous pool. Because it’s Southern California, this family of four can entertain guests year-round – in living spaces that embrace casual sophistication.
In order to accommodate the new open floor plan on the first level, a 1,200 square foot second-story was added and in turn an airy, two-story glass and natural stone foyer. Upon entering the home, guests are greeted by a breathtaking floor-to-ceiling walnut built-in.
The ground level features a beautiful wooden bench with custom seating while the stairway’s landing offers access to a series of bookshelves. Upstairs, the owners desired a way to soak in the spectacular view of the canyon and valley in the distance. The architects created a beautiful, completely private deck just off the master suite accented by Pau Lope wood.
Taking clues from the original garage and entry rooflines, the home’s design roots were maintained, while the pre-established slopes were repeated on the second level. The design intent wasn’t for the home to look and feel completely new (which it is), but rather that the two stories were built at the same time and that it remains honest to the existing suburban feel of the local vernacular.
The architects selected an aluminum and glass window system as well as a standing seam metal roof for a clean, modern feel. Wood accents can be found throughout the home as can natural stone for character and warmth.
What We Love: This gorgeous home has been designed with casual sophistication offering delectable design features at every turn. We are especially loving the indoor-outdoor feel in the living room and the built-in reading nook next to the staircase. This is the perfect spot for lounging with a good book, or curling up for an afternoon siesta!
Tell Us: What do you think of the overall design aesthetics of this home? If this was your home, are there any details in the design that you would have done differently? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below!
Note: Have a look at a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of Rockefeller Kempel Architects: Classic farmhouse style with a contemporary twist in Willamette Valley and Stunning modern home enveloped in the tranquil Santa Monica mountains.
Photos: Eric Staudenmaier
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