OWIU Design imbues Texas ranch house with Japanese minimalism

Los Angeles studio OWIU Design has renovated the ranch of influencer Remi Ishizuka near Austin, Texas, where the studio's minimalist Asian aesthetic merges with the farmhouse-style property.

OWIU Design overhauled the Pontious Ranch House in Dripping Springs for internet personality Remi Ishizuka, who moved to Texas with her partner in 2022.

Born in Los Angeles, Ishizuka grew up as a second-generation child of Japanese and Chinese immigrants, and wanted to infuse her home with elements from her Asian heritage.

She called upon her close friend and OWIU co-principal, Amanda Gunawan, who had a similar upbringing, to help bring in elements of both Asia and California.

The two-storey house was built in a traditional ranch style in 2018, and the studio worked with the first owner to retain this character while adding contemporary elements.

"We learned from each other and respected our mutual expertise – it was beautiful and meaningful to have the original builders have a hand in the next iteration of their creation," said Gunawan.

Warm, neutral tones that evoke the Texan fields and plenty of cream shades were used to create a calming palette that works with the building's wood and stone structure.

"The colours reflect the immediate landscape, creating an unbroken conversation between the exterior and interior of the Pontious Ranch House," said OWIU Design.

In the living room, hard corners were smoothed over to create more rounded, softer shapes similar to those found in adobe homes.

The line of a built-in seat below the windows is continued as a light-toned stone ledge that runs past the fireplace.

The kitchen is anchored by a huge chunk of rough-hewn stone, from which an island and a wooden dining table with rounded edges extend.

Minimalist wooden cabinet fronts, a square range hood and marble surfaces are neatly detailed to contrast the natural rock.

"The sheer spectrum of textures in this one continuous piece reads as a timeline for Ishizuka’s own trajectory," said the studio.

A circular opening – a common motif in Asian architecture – visually connects an upstairs lounge with the stairwell void, framing a trio of paper pendant lamps.

A marble shelf bisects the circle and creates a display space, matching another ledge above pale wood cabinetry along the opposite wall.

Bedrooms continue the same light-hued colour scheme with texture added via carpets, bedding, headboards and curtains.

Overall, the project represents "a sincere amalgamation of California and Texas design and a reflection of a friendship built over years" according to OWIU Design.

In its home town of Los Angeles, the studio has recently completed a remodel of Ray Kappe's Glass Ridge House and the renovation of the mid-century Duane House.

Previous OWIU Design projects include a revamped 1950s home and a loft in a converted biscuit factory, both into which the designers brought Japanese design elements.

The photography is by Justin Chung.

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