Project: Wagoya House / Location: Los Angeles / Architect: Alloi / Photos: Nils Timm

Los Angeles-based design/build firm Alloi took a modest 1940 rambler and transformed it into a stunning mid-century home with Scandinavian and Japanese influences.

Designed for a neonatal doctor who wanted a peaceful sanctuary after spending chaotic hours at the hospital, the Wagoya House embraces natural materials, sustainability and functionality. Alloi drew inspiration from the simple yet stylish homes built by Palo Alto real estate developer Joseph Eichler in the 1950s and 1960s, paying homage to their timeless architectural style. 

The original home had outlived its useful life. Dark and outdated, it failed to reflect the potential of the space. “The front façade was visually disjointed, with a combination of red brick and white vinyl siding that clashed and created a sense of visual confusion,” the firm says. “The multiple roof planes added to the visual disarray.

Wagoya was named for its Japanese post and beam construction method, which creates an open plan space with voluminous interiors. The open living room features a striking steel and glass façade that merges the interior and exterior. As a result, natural light pours in, creating a sense of spaciousness and tranquility. Plus, the panoramic views of the surrounding environment serve as a constant reminder of the home’s connection to nature.

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The client, a neonatal physician who cherishes the beauty of organic elements, was supportive of the firm’s decision to use natural materials, such as the vertical grain Douglas fir windows and doors and the wood ceiling, which all play a major role in the home’s overall feel.

“A custom vertical grain feature wall creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow as the sun moves through the sky,” the firm says. “The carefully aligned vertical panels cast captivating shadows that shift and evolve throughout the day, enhancing the visual depth and dimension of the space. As sunlight filters through the grains of the wood, it creates a mesmerizing play of light inside the home.

The modern bathroom offers a tranquil and clean aesthetic that elevates the morning routine. Wall-to-wall gray tiles create a sleek and sophisticated backdrop, accentuated by a beam of morning sunlight that streams in through a strategically placed window. A flush-mount custom mirror helps reflect light but also adds a touch of minimalist elegance to the space, while satin chrome wall-mounted faucet and undermount sink further enhance the clean and minimalist aesthetic. In the shower, a rain shower and handheld attachment allow for a customizable bathing experience, while a custom recessed shampoo niche adds practicality.

 “For the bathrooms, we incorporated high-quality porcelain tiles, a floating vanity, and elegant brushed metal fixtures, achieving a spa-like atmosphere,” says architect Marcos Santa Ana.

Alloi also fitted the wardrobe in the primary bedroom with vertical grain wood panels. With touch-to-open and soft-close hardware, the built in millwork provides seamless storage. As an added bonus, the soft morning light that hits the wood grain creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The architect made sure the exterior of the home exudes the same sophisticated mid-mod vibe of the interior. Elegant stone siding is a perfect foil (and complement) to the vertical grain Douglas fir elements, while the stone chimney contrasts nicely with sleek lines of the standing seam metal roof. “This juxtaposition of materials represents the delicate balance between nature and modernity, paying homage to the timeless mid-century modern aesthetic while embracing contemporary design principles,” the firm says.

The integration of board-formed landscape feature walls serve as both a visual statement and functional elements, providing privacy but also delineating outdoor spaces. The stone-clad entry wall, crafted to align with the principles of Feng Shui, creates a captivating first impression while seamlessly blending with the natural surroundings.

Alloi made sure to sweat the small stuff, such as the custom-made, laser-cut metal plate for the house numbers. Rendered in corten steel, the plate will develop a rich, earthy brown patina over time, eliminating the need for paint. “This material choice not only imparts color to the concrete wall but also harmonizes with the inviting warmth of wooden elements,” the firm says.

In the end, the total transformation of the house is nothing short of stunning and a major improvement over the previous version. Says Santa Ana, “By seamlessly integrating design and construction, we transformed what was once a dilapidated house into a true neighborhood gem—proving that great design is not about size, but about creating spaces that stand the test of time.”