Inside the house, the intensely meticulous nature of the construction reveals itself with quite the opposite effect. Instead of excessive fastidiousness and convolution, the mood is one of generosity, ease, and serenity. Instead of Brutalism and sensory deprivation, the architecture provides sustenance and enrichment, both spiritual and intellectual. In an effort to leave the lily ungilded, Hadar outfitted the rooms sparingly, deploying a variety of unimpeachable classics by the likes of George Nakashima, Pierre Jeanneret, and Jean Prouvé. (Interior designer Katherine Waronker consulted on furnishings.) A guest casita at the base of the property is outfitted like a Japanese tearoom, with tatami mats, shoji screens, and a steam bath featuring a traditional ofuro soaking tub. The garden that separates the main house from the casita, designed by Double Green Landscapes, melds Japanese and California influences with a variety of maple and ginkgo trees, giant timber bamboo, bower wattle, and leopard plants. “Walking through the garden to my little teahouse, I feel like I’m escaping to Japan while I’m still in Hollywood,” Hadar muses.
In addition to Ando and Iida, the homeowner is quick to share credit for the success of his building adventure with the many collaborators responsible for its ultimate realization, including architect of record Kazushige Shichishima of LA-based Bo.Shi Inc. Of course, he reserves his highest praise for the maestro himself. “I’m still discovering the house right now, sitting in different spots and watching the light show as it changes throughout the day. I appreciate every corner, every detail,” Hadar says. “I’m so grateful to Ando. He’s a beautiful human being.”
This article appears in AD’s January issue. Never miss a story when you subscribe to AD.
