An Imposing Concrete, Glass, and Steel Home by Ray Kappe Lists for $5M
Influential architect Ray Kappe, who passed away in November 2019, spent his decades-long career merging modernist ideals with the traditional California aesthetic. An educator and urban planner, Kappe is perhaps best known for designing over 100 custom homes, many of which are located in the hills of greater Los Angeles. One such property, a Pacific Palisades home made of concrete, glass, and steel is a monument to Kappe's unique blend of materials and form.
In this design, architect Ray Kappe utilized concrete, glass, and steel to mold the unique form. The home, located between Rustic Canyon and Will Rogers State Park in Pacific Palisades, rests on a sloping terrain and is surrounded by a dense landscape.
The three-level home, built in 1980, embraces its location within a heavily wooded lot. A dramatic, heavily glazed atrium-like space rises along one side of the structure, curving upward to allow the canopy of trees to drape overhead. A concrete-block form drapes down the other side of the home, broken up by multiple terraces and outdoor spaces off of each level.
One of the home’s main features is the dramatic full-height atrium, which overlooks the canyon and surrounding wooded landscape. Extensive glazing on three sides floods the steel-framed space in natural light throughout the day.
The material's raw form continues inside, which is dominated by concrete blocks, wood, and glass to create contemporary, light-filled spaces. Offering three bedrooms and three bathrooms, the 3,574-square-foot residence remains true to Kappe's original design with only minimal maintenance and changes since its original construction. Keep scrolling to see more of this property, currently listed for $4,995,000.
The first-floor living room features a full-height concrete fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows. Warm wood along the floors and ceiling sandwich the concrete block walls.
A staircase connects the home’s three levels. Steel handrails and glass treads wind around a central column.
The middle floor stands just a few steps up from the living area and offers a curved glass wall and large connected terrace.
The third and top level is the home’s most dramatic space. The double-height primary bedroom looks out on to the lush treetops as the glass walls curve to form the roof overhead.
A stairwell opens to the lower level, allowing natural light from the glass roof to trickle down. An en suite bath connects to the space.
Many rooms within the home offer direct access to outdoor spaces. Here, a rooftop terrace feels carved out of the concrete structure.
A long driveway leads up to the northern corner of the home which shows the home’s terraced concrete facade. Stairs lead up from a carport to the main entrance.
Perched on the hill behind the property is a curvaceous pool and spa. Imitating the home’s form and materials, the relaxing area provides an oasis within Los Angeles.
762 Latimer Road, Santa Monica, California, is currently listed for $4,995,000 by Matt Adamo and Daniel Milstein of Christie's AKG
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