Interior designer Sophie Goineau and Los Angeles studio Enclosures Architects have restored Cove Way House in Beverly Hills by Alfred T Wilkes with updated finishes, “preserving the integrity of original LA modernism”.
Located in LA’s upscale Beverly Hills neighbourhood, Cove Way House is a low-slung villa that was originally built in 1957. It is laid out on a single floor, and contains four bedrooms.
It features several design elements that were novel at the time, such as floor-to-ceiling glazing in the living spaces, a flat roof, and an open concept for the kitchen, living, and dining rooms.
The team’s intention was to highlight these elements within the renovation.
“The original Alfred T Wilkes house, built in 1957, was a true example of mid-century “post and beam” construction, allowing for the wide-open flow of space from room to room, and the feature of a curved glass exterior wall, rare for the style and era,” said the team.
“The original interior features were all enhanced in the restoration; flat roof lines, indoor to outdoor fluidity, open living plan and an abundance of natural light.”
Goineau and Enclosures Architects completely updated the finishes throughout the property, including all-new millwork in the entry hallway, kitchen and living room.
“From the entry and throughout, the millwork is produced in woods indigenous to the US wherever possible; the inlaid ceiling, wall partitions and stacked doors frames are teak, including the art wall tiles in the powder room, handmade from Mosarte in Brazil,” said the team.
“The wall paneling, fluted bar, doors, closets, vanities and kitchen are custom designed in walnut.”
Visitors enter the home into a semi-circular foyer, which provides access to the kitchen, living and dining room.
These are partially screened by slatted wooden walls that give each space a certain separation, while still feeling like they are part of a single living area.
The main living room is separated in two parts by a fireplace built with long slender bricks, delineating a more private seating area from the main entertaining space. Both of these are open to the kitchen, which embraces the curved outline of the foyer, and to the pool at the back of the home.
The floors were also updated to a more durable material.
“The home’s original carpet flooring was relaid in terrazzo, meticulously inlaid with brass inserts and cream Calacatta stone, inspired by architecture icon Alexander Girard’s textile prints designed for Charles and Ray Eames, replete with Minotti and Henge furnishings.
The home’s four bedrooms are laid out along a corridor in a separate wing, and were also refreshed as part of the renovation.
Other midcentury renovations in California include a 1960s home by Craig Ellwood that was refurbished with a light touch by Woods+Dangaran, and the home and offices of Working Holiday Studios, which underwent a more extensive overhaul to accommodate their young family.
The photography is by Michael Clifford.
Source: Rooms - dezeen.com
