The Keeler House, Raymond Kappe, FAIA, 1990.

---

First offering: The Keeler House, 1990, Raymond Kappe, FAIA. The architect's work has been described as the apotheosis of the California Modern House, and while some may argue the point, it is clear that Ray Kappe pushed the limits of California's Post & Beam style to its ultimate conclusion, and in doing so created unsurpassed space for California living. The Keeler house is a textbook example, but at the same time it is much more. Here, Kappe perfects a modern interpretation not only of the high ideals of Wright's Organic Architecture, but also of the Craftsman Era's fine woodworking. The result is a masterpiece.Meticulously constructed over four and one half years in clear heart redwood, teak, fir, concrete, and glass, the residence dramatically soars over its hillside site, yet is one with its intimate forested aqua garden, and the city and ocean vistas. The integration of architecture with landscape is remarkable. At the street level, entry is hidden by a clean-lined, not quite anonymous, concrete and opaque glass wall.