Naturally Modern

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Alloi designs a minimalistic retreat where a Neonatal doctor in Southern California can escape

Wagoya House features natural materials, including Douglas fir windows and doors that connect to the landscape. The steel and glass façade, custom vertical wood siding, smooth trowel stucco, board form landscape walls, stone-clad entry, and stone chimney create a symphony of textures celebrating the surrounding environment. Photos by Nils Timm.

Born into a family of artists, builders and craftspeople in the upstate community of Woodstock, architect, builder and founder of Alloi, Marcos Santa Ana has an innate understanding of design. From Denmark to Spain, New York and Los Angeles, he has extensively studied the depths of many architectural styles and eras. “Our design philosophy is grounded in the pursuit of architectural harmony inspired by Zen minimalism, Feng-Shui and the pursuit of holistic, calm space,” he notes. “Our firm brings an international influence through our architects and builders who lived and worked in Scandinavia, Italy, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.”

Guests enter the expanded living room with 9-13’ cathedral ceilings wrapped in vertical grain Douglas fir and a steel and glass façade blending indoor and outdoor spaces. Natural light floods the area, fostering tranquility. Panoramic views connect the home with nature, enhancing the sense of spaciousness. Photos by Nils Timm.
Positioned strategically to allow the southwestern sun to flood the room, sunlight dances through, casting shadows and creating a dynamic interplay between light and shadow throughout the day. Photos by Nils Timm.

When hired by a Neonatal doctor in Southern California to transform a 1950s property into a modernized space where she could find quiet at the end of her very hectic workdays, they jumped at the opportunity to usher the home into a new era. “The home was wrapped in vinyl siding, lacked character, depth, and flow while leaky windows contributed to less energy efficiency,” Santa Ana recalls. “Our client needed a home that provided a nature filled retreat from the chaotic and sterile hospital environment and also wanted her home to become a welcoming space for visiting family and friends, and also to positively impact the neighborhood as a whole.”

The wardrobe in the primary bedroom features vertical grain wood panels, offering both visual texture and sophistication. With touch-to-open and soft-close hardware, it provides seamless storage. In the soft morning light, the wood grain’s natural beauty shines, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Photos by Nils Timm.
Wall-to-wall gray tiles create a sleek backdrop, complemented by morning sunlight through a window. A flush-integrated mirror, satin chrome faucet, and under mount sink enhance the minimalist aesthetic. The shower offers a rain shower head and handheld attachment for customization, with a recessed shampoo niche adding practicality. Photos by Nils Timm.

Originally around 1,400-square-feet, the client wanted to add a second floor that would include a bedroom, bathroom and balcony. The team expanding the footprint to around 1,800-square-feet, and wrapped the home in wood and natural materials. “The Wagoya house features an interplay of custom siding, glazing and cantilevered roof planes creating a cohesive structured composition,” he notes. “Leveraging a thin wood-clad structural steel system of columns and tenons, the entry façade showcases a sophisticated formal slenderness familiar to its Southern California Mid-century modern vernacular architecture. Another significant feature is the custom vertical slat siding, which appears to float above the plaster wall beneath, highlighted by a linear beam of light.”

The exterior custom concrete outdoor conversation lounge zone, conveniently located off the kitchen, serves as a serene retreat for the homeowner. Enclosed by a minimalist steel gate, this inviting space offers a sense of privacy and tranquility. Ambient lighting emanates from beneath the benches, casting a gentle glow. Photos by Nils Timm.

By focusing on infusing each room with natural lighting and a neutral color palette, the Alloi team curated a timeless and welcoming residence that is deeply connected to the surrounding environment. “The once outdated home now radiates warmth and serenity, providing a retreat that the client is proud to showcase. The transformation has positively affected both the client and her community, fostering a welcoming ambiance for visitors.”