A Bungalow Renovation With Zen Aesthetic in Echo Park

Nestled on a scenic hilltop in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, Sue Chan’s residence is a blend of function and serenity, offering a zen escape while maintaining a dynamic space for entertaining. Designed by OWIU Design, the Echo Park Hillhouse home is a testament to thoughtful design that draws upon the beauty of its natural surroundings while maximizing functionality and comfort.

A cozy living room with a sofa, wooden decor, and bookshelves opens to a balcony with chairs, overlooking trees and distant structures. Warm lighting enhances the inviting atmosphere.

The home’s layout emphasizes a fluid connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, reflecting its elevated vantage point with sweeping views of East Los Angeles. OWIU integrated the natural landscape into the architecture, with large windows and an expansive deck seamlessly extending the living space outdoors. The open-plan design encourages easy movement between the newly renovated kitchen and living room, making it ideal for both quiet relaxation and hosting guests.

Outdoor deck with a metal dining table, four chairs, and a bowl on top. Surrounded by greenery, enclosed by railing, with a view of the landscape. Wooden door in the foreground.

A sunlit room with wooden furniture, shoji screen doors, and textured paper lanterns, opening to a view of greenery outside.

Throughout the home, lighting choices by iconic designers like Noguchi and Mario Bellini add character and elegance, while vintage furniture pieces, such as a Hans Wegner dining table and Eames chairs, infuse the rooms with timeless style. In the living room, handcrafted pieces like a custom carpentry bench and American White Oak bookshelves reinforce the home’s unique, artisanal quality.

A room with wooden shoji doors, a small wooden table holding a vase of orange flowers, and a textured white lamp on the side. Sunlight casts shadows on the door.

A serene bedroom with shoji sliding doors, a bed with white bedding, a small wooden side table holding orange flowers, and soft natural lighting.

A notable feature of the home is the raised platform in the bedroom, a subtle yet effective way of delineating the private space without the need for walls. This design element, which has become a signature of OWIU’s projects, promotes a sense of retreat and calm, perfect for Chan’s busy bicoastal lifestyle. The bedroom is also complemented by custom-made Japanese shoji doors that provide both aesthetic appeal and practical privacy.

A minimalist bedroom with a platform bed, a patchwork wall hanging, wooden flooring, and natural light streaming through an open door. A wooden chair and a small round table are present.

A minimalist bedroom with a futon-style bed, sliding shoji doors, and warm natural lighting.

Open patio doors leading to a deck with a central fire pit, surrounded by lush greenery and trees in the background. A potted plant is placed on the left side of the deck.

Minimalist kitchen with wooden cabinets, open shelves holding dishes, a stove, and a dishwasher. A skylight brightens the space, and a small rug lies on the wooden floor.

The kitchen, co-designed with Reform, showcases an earthy warmth through its cedar and oak finishes, similar to that of a cabin while incorporating contemporary elements. Thoughtfully placed skylights flood the space with natural light, enhancing the home’s organic feel. Despite its modest size, the kitchen offers ample storage thanks to hidden compartments and floating shelves, demonstrating OWIU’s commitment to maximizing space without sacrificing design.

Kitchen shelves with assorted ceramics, glasses, and pitchers. Counter features wooden boards, a clay pot, a wooden spoon, and a bowl with tomatoes and avocados.

A wooden dining table with chairs, a bowl of fruit, and a hanging light fixture in a modern kitchen setting.

A cozy room with beige curtains, a soft round chair, a carpet, and a hanging paper lantern.

Minimalist entryway with a wooden bench, woven bag hanging on the wall, basket underneath, and a bowl of apples on the bench. A red door and a light switch are visible.

Modern bathroom with a round white sink, wooden cabinetry, and a wall-mounted mirror. Tiled surfaces in earth tones and a potted plant decorate the space. Door slightly ajar in the background.

A roll of toilet paper is suspended on a metal chain attached to the wall next to a plant with large leaves. The background features a tiled wall.

A small wooden cabin with a single window nestled among tall cacti and lush greenery under a clear blue sky.

The exterior continues the theme of blending functionality with nature. OWIU carefully designed the fencing to accommodate existing trees, creating a fluid relationship between the built environment and the landscape. Outdoor spaces, including a custom patio and furniture from the HAY Balcony Collection, offer additional areas to enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

A narrow outdoor path with metal railings runs alongside a wooden building. Tall cacti and trees border the walkway, creating a sunlit, natural setting.

A green garden lantern hangs from a tree branch with leaves and two yellow fruits. A wooden lattice is in the background.

A small wooden cabin with a single window and door sits amidst desert plants, including tall cacti. A curved stone path leads to it, and a small table with chairs is nearby.

In addition to the main residence, OWIU designed a separate office unit on the property. Clad in cedar and oak, similar to the main house, the detached structure offers a quieter, more secluded atmosphere, ideal for focused work or retreat. The office features a large picture window framing the surrounding trees, keeping the occupant connected to the outdoors.

Small wooden cabin under a tree with a curved path. An open door reveals a glimpse inside. A round table with items sits outside. Sunlight filters through the branches.