News Summary
Yi Kai and Jian Zheng have created a unique artistic home in Monterey Park that reflects their cultural heritage. Their innovative redesign features a kidney-shaped swimming pool, curvilinear architecture, and colorful furnishings, embodying a harmonious blend of American and Chinese influences. With a focus on functionality and creativity, this home serves as an inspiration for incorporating art into daily living, alongside hosting community cultural exchanges.
Monterey Park – The home of artist Yi Kai and his wife, Jian Zheng, has been transformed into a living artwork that reflects their values of experimentation and cultural heritage. The couple’s residence features a prominently designed swimming pool that draws inspiration from the sun-filled landscapes characteristic of David Hockney’s paintings. This transformation process, likened to a continuously evolving piece of art, illustrates their vision of home beyond mere construction, as they have refined and reimagined the space over the years.
The couple undertook the substantial task of building their new home from the ground up after demolishing a house that was originally constructed in 1956. Architect De Peter Yi, alongside collaborator Laura Marie Peterson, brought the couple’s vision to fruition with a design that breaks traditional rigid structures, symbolizing an integration of American and Chinese cultural elements. The construction process for the new home incurred approximately $1.5 million in costs.
At the heart of their innovative design is the kidney-shaped swimming pool, which serves as a delightful surprise for those entering the home. This pool is surrounded by a unique curvilinear architecture that defies conventional norms and is completed by an 80-foot-long teak deck wrapping around the pool area. The outdoor space is enhanced through partial-height walls, creating outdoor “rooms” that beautifully frame views of the surrounding landscape. Inspiration for this design can be seen in the works of artists like James Turrell, adding an artistic flair to the outdoor experience.
Throughout the house, Kai’s artistic influence is evident. A standout feature is an outdoor spiral staircase made from the wooden strips of the couple’s previous home, painted in colors reminiscent of the American flag—red and blue. Additionally, a slot designed for moving paintings from the ground floor studio to attic-like storage exemplifies the couple’s commitment to blending art with daily living. Other design elements, such as the roof slope, reflect mid-century butterfly roofs typical of the predominantly Chinese neighborhood, while the arc of their terrace evokes traditional Chinese courtyard houses and gardens.
Kai, who is now 70 years old, immigrated to the United States in the wake of the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. With a strong connection to Monterey Park, known for its vibrant Chinese immigrant community and often referred to as “Little Taipei,” the couple bought their first home in the area in 1998. Although they ventured out to Rancho Cucamonga for a time, they ultimately returned to Monterey Park for their retirement years. In 2014, they collaborated with their nephew to re-envision their home, specifically retaining the pool as part of their vision for comfort and functionality.
The interior of the home features colorful furnishings created by the China-based designer Pablo, tailored in collaboration with artist Lu Biaobiao, creating a harmonious atmosphere that complements Kai’s unique paintings. The design emphasizes airy spaces and incorporates ample outdoor access, including an outdoor kitchen used for everyday meals, especially stir-fries. Asymmetrical windows adorned throughout the house provide indirect lighting, enhancing the artwork while framing varying scenic views.
The home additionally includes a tea room that connects the main bedroom to an expansive terrace featuring 450 square feet of balcony space and an additional 650 square feet of shaded outdoor area. This intricate combination of indoor and outdoor living spaces is designed to inspire others to incorporate art into their everyday lives. The couple has expressed intentions to host salons, exhibitions, and cultural exchanges, further enriching the community and promoting a spirit of artistic dialogue.
In summary, Kai and Zheng’s Monterey Park home stands as a testament to their artistic journey, reflecting their commitment to blending cultural influences and promoting creativity in everyday life. With a diverse team of designers, engineers, and contractors contributing to the building’s realization, the couple takes pride in their multicultural heritage and collaborative efforts.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Unique Modern Home Built for Retirement
- Wikipedia: Monterey Park, California
- Pasadena Star News: New Monterey Park Mural
- Google Search: Monterey Park Art
- Monterey Herald: Sand City Art Park
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Art
- Rafu Shimpo: Monterey Park Library Announces Kawaii Kitty Art Contest
- Google News: Art Exhibitions Monterey Park
- The Rams: Artist Reflects on Monterey Park Mural
- Google Scholar: Monterey Park Community Art
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
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