The collections

of antique Japanese ceramics, textiles, and woodcuts are graceful accents. The open dining area is anchored by a tansu displaying Russel Wright water pitchers.

in keeping with the owners’ interests and their collections of Japanese art and antiques.

the family hired the late architect Peter Becker, who had worked with Charles Moore and Frank Gehry. Becker was clear on what was needed to restore the house’s sophisticated simplicity while bringing it unpretentiously into the 21st century. Work began with remodeling of the garage that extended from the west end. It was enlarged to three bays, and the original house then extended over it to provide a new kitchen, office, and bathroom.

During early remodeling, severe dry rot (fungal decay) was discovered throughout the house. The owners joked that the thick vinyl wall covering was all that held the house together. Poorly drained water from the flat roof had caused such significant damage that all of the interior walls had to be stripped down to the studs and replaced. The roof would be torn off and redone

TOP On the upper level, expansive terrazzo floors and walls of glass keep spaces light and open. The dining area and kitchen including added space can be seen beyond. Vintage Japanese textiles hang over the stair railings. ABOVE Soft-hued, midcentury Russel Wright “American Modern” pitchers designed in 1937 sit in front of antique Japanese fans on the wall—an unexpected but complementary pairing. OPPOSITE A nickelplated steel dining table designed for Knoll by Warren Platner in 1966 centers the up-to-date kitchen.