In Residence: Ray Kappe

Situated on a steep slope on a property that has natural springs running through, the raised house is built onto six concrete towers whose 600 square feet of surface area support the entirety of the 4,000-square foot home, which has become one of Kappe’s most celebrated works. The Minneapolis-born architect founded the architecture department at California Polytechnic State University at Pomona (Cal Poly) in 1968, and went on to create the prestigious Southern California Institute of Architecture in 1972.

Kappe retained his residential practice throughout, and has leant his name to countless residences around the world, in addition to working with prefab housing and serving as a trailblazer in the sustainable design movement. “The house works so well you don’t even notice its age,” says director Matthew Donaldson. “It’s the real deal; not a piece of furniture has changed, and the house is used every day and has brought up a family. It’s like they got it right and didn’t need to change a thing—surely that’s a sign of great architecture?”

STATS FROM THE SET.

Square footage of house.- 4000 square foot.
Number of beds / baths.- Four bedrooms / three baths.
Year house built.- 1965-67.
Main building materials.- Concrete, redwood, glass.
What's in the driveway / garage.- 2000 CLK430 Mercedes, 1964 Mark 2 Jaguar, 1979 Mercedes 300SD.
Oldest item in house.- Architect, age 87. Hardoy Chairs, age 62.

VIDEO CREDITS.

Director.- Matthew Donaldson.
Producer.- Lynn Zekanis.
Production Assistant.- Kasper Notlev.
Director of Photography.- Benjamin Kitchens.
Editor.- Alice Fisher.
Colour.- Eloise Madden.
Assistan Camerman.- Geoff Goodloe.
Music.- The Mad Pride, Monsters.
Sound.- Ed Novick.
Data Manager.- Vito Hizar.
Thanks to.- Shelly Kappe, Ray Kappe, Natalia Rachlin.