Ray Kappe Residence, Pacific Palisades, 1965

Architecture

Dec 5

Photography: Julius Shulman / Getty Archives

Nestled among the picturesque hills of Los Angeles, the Ray Kappe Residence stands as an architectural masterpiece that beautifully blends with its natural surroundings. Designed by the visionary architect Ray Kappe in the 1960s, this iconic home continues to captivate both architectural enthusiasts and nature lovers with its timeless appeal.
Situated on a generous plot of land, the Ray Kappe Residence is a prime example of modernist architecture rooted in the harmony between human living spaces and the environment. The house effortlessly integrates the indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a seamless connection with nature.

From the moment you approach the residence, you are greeted by lush vegetation and soothing sounds of trickling water, as a natural stream flows underneath the house, linking the cascading landscape. The thoughtful placement of large windows and expansive glass walls allows an abundance of natural light to flood into the house, blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior spaces.

The architectural mastery of the Ray Kappe Residence lies in its innovative use of materials. Steel, glass, and wood are meticulously combined to create a structure that appears both solid yet ethereal. The daring design of cantilevered roofs and floating staircases add a sense of drama and intrigue, while respecting the natural contours of the land.
The interior of the residence echoes Kappe's commitment to harmony and functionality. Spacious open-plan living areas seamlessly connect with private sanctuaries, providing a tranquil retreat for its occupants. The expansive walls serve as canvases for the discerning art collector, while carefully placed architectural details allow for a seamless flow throughout the space.

What truly sets the Ray Kappe Residence apart is its ability to adapt and evolve with its inhabitants. Over the years, various generations have called this house their home, adding their personal touches and creating a living space that reflects their unique identity. This residence stands as a testament to the triumph of sustainable and timeless design, accommodating the needs and aspirations of those who dwell within its walls.

The Ray Kappe Residence has become an influential gem in architectural history, providing inspiration to future designers and admirers alike. Its innovative design principles and the seamless integration with its natural environment continue to set the standard for contemporary living spaces that are both harmonious and sustainable.

Visiting the Ray Kappe Residence is an experience that transcends time and culture. It is a pilgrimage to witness the synergy between architecture and nature, where the built environment finds perfect balance with its surroundings

Exterior view

***“Modern architecture seemed more democratic to me.”***
*Raymond Kappe*

A recent photo of Architect and educator Raymond Kappe in the Pacific Palisades, California home he designed for himself in 1965. **Photo: João Canziani**

DISCLAIMER: THE MILLIE VINTAGE DOES NOT OWN ANY RIGHTS TO THESE PHOTOS. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL IMAGES AND COPYRIGHT BELONGS TO THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.

MORE LIKE THIS

Featured

A Converted Cement Factory Turned Studio and Home of Architect Ricardo Bofill

Originally an abandoned cement factory dating back to the early 20th century, Bofill transformed it into his personal living space and architectural office in 1973.

Marzio Cecchi

Marzio Cecchi was born near Florence on March 1st, 1940. He was born into a family of designers, his mother was Giulia Carla Cecchi, famous in the world of fashion for her haute couture creations.

Kazuhide Takahama

Kazuhide Takahama was born in Miyazaki on the Japanese island of Kyushu, in 1930. He graduated from the Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1953 and went on to join the practice of architect Kazuo Fujioka.

Giancarlo Piretti

Giancarlo Piretti was born in 1940 in Bologna, Italy. He studied at the Bologna Art Academy and graduated with a degree in art education.

Gerald Summers

Gerald Summers was born in 1899 in Alexandria, Egypt. He was the youngest of six children. Summers attended Eltham College in London.

Luigi Massoni

Luigi Massoni was born in Milan in 1930. He worked in Cermenate, a commune in Italy. In 1954 he started his career as the president and head of architecture and industrial design for A&D where he would work until 1972.

Percival Lafer

Percival Lafer was born in Brazil in 1936. The architect, product and furniture designer is known for his fine design that was offered at affordable prices.

Annie Hieronimus

Little is known about female designer, Annie Hieronimus. She was born in Paris and studied at the Ecole des Métiers d'Arts et des Arts Appliqués.

Faux Food Furniture Is Trending

If you’ve never put furniture and food in the same category, now you can! Food-iture, food that looks like furniture or vice versa has been trending online.

Lina Bo Bardi

Lina Bo Bardi (born December 5, 1914, Rome, Italy–died March 20, 1992, São Paulo, Brazil) was an Italian-born Brazilian architect, furniture designer, set designer, journalist and activist.

Kwok Hoi Chan

Kwok Hoi Chan (1939 – 1987) was a Chinese architect and interior designer. He studied University of Architecture, Hong Kong.

Vico Magistretti

Vico Magistretti (October 6, 1920 – September 19, 2006) was an Italian architect, industrial designer, furniture designer, and academic.

Erik Gunnar Asplund’s Swedish Summer House

Gunnar Asplund built his summer residence on the banks of the archipelago of Stockholm in 1937. He was 52 and at the prime of his career, having completed the Gotheburg City Hall…

Harry Gesner’s Wave House in Malibu

Recently listed for a cool $42.5 million dollars, the ‘Wave’ house has marked its territory as one of the most iconic homes in Malibu.

Andrew Geller’s Antler House in East Hampton

Known as the “architect of happiness,” Andrew Geller’s masterpieces like this East Hampton home, have the ability to spark inexplicable joy.

The Rise of Fiberglass Furniture Design

The 1960s and 1970s witnessed a revolution in furniture design, marked by the soaring popularity of fiberglass as a versatile and groundbreaking material.