John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects devise a modern house that opens itself to its Santa Monica neighborhood

Homeowners Erin King, a landscape designer, and husband Matt King, director of the Santa Monica-based nonprofit Heal the Bay, had lived in Spanish-style homes in Santa Monica and Brentwood. But Erin says her husband, who is 6-foot-6, found them to be claustrophobic. “Matt always said that he wanted to build a modernist home one day,” she says. “He wanted something that he belonged in.” Here, one of several broad glass doors leads to the dining room.  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

The dining room also opens to a more private garden behind the house. It gives the Kings a quieter outdoor space that they like to use for breakfast or barbecues.  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

Another set of glass doors opens to the main living area and kitchen. The space seems to expand in every direction — an effect magnified by the 10-foot ceiling, expanses of glass and the slight downhill grade, which creates dynamic views.  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

Here’s a closer look at the kitchen, brightened by a skylight. Kitchen counters were raised to accommodate Matt King, who’s 6-foot-6.  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

Erin King and son James sit in the living room. The fireplace and custom cabinetry form a large, asymmetrical island. Stairs lead to the bedrooms. Erin’s office lies behind the shelves at the rear of the room.  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

The design of the office allows for some connection to the rest of the house -- but not too much.  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

The office: Floor to ceiling glass provides a strong link to the outdoors. Architect John Friedman says home offices work best near the front door. “You create layers of privacy going from the street, to the porch, to the greeting area and then the office,” he says. “The owners don’t have to bring people into the rest of the house if they don’t want to.”  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

Even the family dog doesn’t mind hanging out in the work space.  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

Matt King and son James at the rear of the house.  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

A temperature-controlled wine cellar went in under the stairwell for Matthew King’s collection.  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

The house has four bedrooms with carefully chosen views. Large horizontal windows in the two sons’ rooms frame the air traffic coming in and out of LAX. Most of the doors in the house employ frosted glass, which transmits natural light while preserving privacy.  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

The master bathroom.  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

The second floor has a generous wooden deck that both separates and connects the master bedroom with the two kids’ rooms. From there, Matt can look out across the Los Angeles basin to determine surf conditions nearby.  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

“We have neighbors who tell us that they think the house is very interesting but they couldn’t live in it,” Erin King says. “But then they add, ‘But you guys seem really happy here.’ Which is true. We are very happy. We love it here.” For a glimpse at John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects’ other projects, click to their website. For a look at more Southern California homes and gardens, go to our Homes of The Times gallery.  (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)