56 DIGS.NET
| 8.20.2021
P R O F I L E | O W I U
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The upper mezzanine floor — which was extended by 130
square feet with wooden pilotis (piers) — comprises a semi-pri-
vate study above the open kitchen and living area, which also
acts as the entryway to the master bedroom on the second floor.
Inspired by the expansiveness and natural light, the OWIU
team used natural materials such as wood for the shelving unit
built by Inflexion Builds and rice paper with the Isamu Noguchi
lanterns, which create a diffused light effect.
"The visual language of any space is incredibly important,"
notes Gunawan. "We wanted to create an atmosphere that instills
a sense of calm, one that is not conducive to anxiety; therefore,
we implemented a neutral color palette to unify the space."
Initially envisioned to be Gunawan's home, the loft has,
however, naturally gone another way. "Following completion,
I kept finding myself delaying the move and using The Biscuit
Loft as my office," confesses Gunawan. "The residential energy
created a sense of calm — it's bright and inspiring. Over time, I
started bringing OWIU team members over to work from the loft,
leaving our old office space empty. Eventually, we decided to
ditch our formal office and officially start working out of the loft."
So far, this decision has proven to be the right one. "Our team
of architects found that the warmth and comfort of a residen-
tial space fostered creativity — meetings are held at the large
kitchen counter in lieu of a conference-style table," Gunawan
says. "Additionally, while still an open concept, The Biscuit Loft
has spaces with clear functions and emotions: the living room
is great for thought-driven meetings, the kitchen table ideal
for quiet work, the large counter space for draft work, and the
multifunctional guest/tea ceremony room is perfect for moments
of calm and private calls."
Along with the new workspace came new traditions for OWIU,
such as the "Family Dinner." "Every Friday night, our team
stops working at a certain time and cooks dinner together in the
kitchen," says Gunawan. "Friends are invited and the workweek
ends on a personal, intimate note."
With every detail taken into consideration to give life to the
perfect atmosphere with an aesthetic that blends East and West,
the Biscuit Loft is one of a kind in Los Angeles. "When you visit
a Japanese ryokan, it often feels like you're entering a sanctuary,"
Gunawan confesses. "We wanted to be able to have that same
effect with this home, to feel calm, grounded and centered, yet
you're still in a fully functional space."
owiu-design.com
"We wanted to create an
atmosphere that instills a
sense of calm, one that is not
conducive to anxiety; therefore,
we implemented a neutral color
palette to unify the space."
