The Monterey Park residence of artist Yi Kai and his wife, Jian Zheng, captivates visitors with its striking swimming pool.
This pool, reminiscent of the serene landscapes in David Hockney’s iconic pool paintings, serves as a centerpiece for the contemporary home that has redefined their living space.
“This house has always been treated not simply as a construction project, but as a continuously evolving piece of art,” Yi Kai explained.
Over the years, the couple has engaged in a process of refinement and transformation, embodying their values of experimentation and creativity.
The blue swimming pool, an essential feature of Californian living, is not merely a spot for leisure but a central component of their newly constructed home.
Following the demolition of a home built in 1956, architects De Peter Yi and Laura Marie Peterson designed the current structure, keeping the pool as a delightful element upon entering the house.
According to Yi, the curvilinear movement of the house around the pool symbolizes the merging of Chinese and American cultural influences.
This dynamic design breaks free from conventional architectural constraints, creating a unique ambiance within the space.
The curving teak deck extends 80 feet around the pool, enhancing the feel of the outdoor areas, allowing them to be perceived as much larger.
Strategically placed partial-height walls frame scenic views of the city, crafting outdoor spaces that function like rooms.
For Peterson, the goal was to create a harmonious flow between indoor and outdoor environments.
The outdoor spaces are designed to offer memorable moments while framing the interplay of daylight.
Yi likens these design elements to the outdoor “Skyspaces” created by artist James Turrell, emphasizing the intention behind the frames of light.
As a Chinese American artist, Yi Kai’s work often reflects his cultural roots while still addressing universal themes related to the human experience.
Artistic touches can be spotted throughout the home.
One notable feature is a spiral staircase connecting the deck to a garage studio, constructed from wooden strips salvaged from their original home and adorned in colors reminiscent of the American flag.
Another intriguing design is the long slot that resembles a trap door, conveniently facilitating the transfer of Kai’s paintings from his studio on the first floor to an attic-like space upstairs.
Yi notes that his uncle’s passionate interest in both cultures is palpable in the home’s architecture, such as the butterfly roof-inspired slope, a nod to the mid-century design prevalent in their Chinese neighborhood.
Initially raised in China, Yi Kai endured a challenging youth, being drafted into the People’s Liberation Army at a young age.
After the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989, he migrated to the United States, spending 13 years in Minneapolis and briefly in Boston before settling in Los Angeles with Jian Zheng.
In 1998, they acquired a three-bedroom home in Monterey Park, a neighborhood commonly affectionately referred to as “Little Taipei,” due to its sizable Chinese immigrant community.
“Integration into the community was quite seamless for us,” Kai expressed.
After a career shift in 2006 encouraged them to rent their home and move closer to Claremont Graduate University, where Kai began teaching art, they eventually considered renovations for a retirement house in 2014.
They enlisted the help of their nephew, who was eager to explore a fresh design while honoring the couple’s artistic vision.
Despite the sentimental value of their old home, they ultimately resolved to demolish it and repurpose the pool, a choice they view positively today.
Yi remarked, “The pool inspired everything that is special about the house,” addressing the couple’s wish for a spacious layout, an age-appropriate first-floor bedroom, and an art studio for Kai.
Kai emphasized a collaborative vision for the house, merging his Chinese heritage with his nephew’s American concepts.
The multicultural nature of the project team was a source of pride for Kai, who recognized the blend of backgrounds represented in the home’s construction.
The project spanned over 30 months and involved a multi-ethnic team, including second-generation Chinese Americans, Latino designers, and a diverse contractor group.
The final outcome showcases airy interiors designed to facilitate a smooth transition to outdoor areas, complete with an outdoor kitchen the couple frequently uses for their culinary endeavors.
Asymmetrical windows allow for creative, indirect lighting that enhances the beauty of Kai’s artworks and reflects the playful nature of the home’s geometry.
The living space is equipped with captivating views, where palm trees and neighboring foliage create a dynamic scenery that shifts with each glance.
These windows align beautifully with the topographical contours of Los Angeles, serving as visual frames that extend the house beyond its walls.
Colorful furnishings by Pablo, in collaboration with Chinese artist Lu Biaobiao, harmonize within the living and dining areas, echoing the vibrancy present in Kai’s artwork.
Upstairs, a tea room seamlessly connects to the main bedroom and bathroom, contributing to the overall feel of openness on the second level.
The expansive wraparound terrace, supplemented by 650 square feet of shaded outdoor living space, transitions from the indoor kitchen to the outdoor culinary area.
Kai’s nephew, who resides in Cincinnati, viewed the development of the family’s new home as a fulfilling experience.
He reflected on the significance of witnessing how they engage with the space.
The project concluded with a budget of $1.5 million, which has become a point of pride for the couple.
Kai foresees opening their home for public salons, exhibitions, and fostering cross-cultural dialogues.
He shares his sentiments, stating, “America is my home, a place where I’ve realized many dreams and achieved both personal and professional success.
It is also the place where I wish to give back, contributing with my art, knowledge, and energy to enrich American culture.
Jian Zheng added, “Art appreciation should be universal.
While everyone can understand art, not everyone integrates it into their daily lives.
Our objective is to inspire a shift in perception, emphasizing that art can be a meaningful aspect of everyday living.”
image source from：latimes
