Cover Architecture turns Pasadena home into sanctuary for daily living

A space for practicing traditional Chinese medicine features in this renovated 1960s home in Pasadena, California, transformed by Los Angeles-based Cover Architecture.

The post-and-beam residence in the San Rafael Hills – which luckily escaped the fires that ravaged the area last year – was overhauled for the first time since its mid-century beginnings.

Cover Architecture revived the single-storey building for a couple in their 30s, ensuring plenty of natural light could enter the previously dark interiors.

"Formerly closed off and shrouded in darkness, a complete redesign of the layout and flow helps reconnect the home to its wooded site," said the studio.

The entry was relocated, and the roof above was opened up to cast daylight over the wooden door, as well as a small gravel garden beside it.

An arc-shaped, fritted-glass window looks into a dedicated space for a practice in traditional Chinese medicine, which specialises in acupuncture and holistic healing.

This small extension to the home features a gently sweeping curved wall and a skylight over the treatment table.

"The curvature of the shelving and the ceiling's sweep toward the skylight together extend a continuous sense of softness through the interior," said Cover Architecture.

In the living room, accessed directly from the front door, the original ceiling joists were restored and left exposed to highlight the home's character.

Large windows and sliding doors open to a balcony at the back, which is surrounded by mature trees so it feels private.

Oak millwork and flooring continue from the living room into the dining area, where built-in benches hug the corner of the room below another window.

This nook flows into the kitchen, finished with Barbados honed-marble countertops, white oak cabinetry and open shelving.

"Subtle curved corners, integrated pulls, and gently rounded open shelving allow the wood's grain to emerge into the foreground," Cover Architecture said.

Sand-colored lime plaster in the living areas is swapped for a brighter shade in the two bedrooms, while the bathrooms feature terrazzo floors and earth-hued cement tiles that add texture and tonal depth.

Fluted glass screens in the main bathroom echo the panels beside the entrance. The exterior is painted dark green to help the house blend into its surroundings.

"The renovation seeks to modernise the long-neglected structure and create a sanctuary for daily living," said Cover Architecture.

The studio, run by principal Yan M Wang, has also completed an ADU for his mother that features a large circular opening through the white wall in front.

Other recent mid-century renovations in Los Angeles include Willett and Ome Dezin's overhaul of the CM G1 House in Laurel Canyon and OWIU's remodel of Ray Kappe's Glass Ridge House in La Cañada Flintridge.

The photography is by Leonid Furmansky.

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