Natural materials and an emphasis on serenity result in a prefab with a purpose.

The pandemic really opened my eyes to what’s important in life,” says Shanty Wijaya of Allprace Homes in Los Angeles. “With everyone home so much, spaces need to be as soothing as they are functional.” And that’s certainly true of this quiet escape that Shanty created on a property that was soon to be sold. The building – a 120-square-foot nondescript prefab – was tucked rather like a hideaway at the bottom of a six-level terraced hillside. Shanty reimagined it as The Sanctuary Space, where new owners could go to meditate, read and relax. It could even be pressed into service as a studio or workspace. She started by adding new doors and cladding the exterior in slats of sustainably sourced, eco-friendly Accoya wood. Inside, wood finishes and relaxed furnishings were a natural choice. Says Shanty: “To me, the look is all about combining Japanese and Scandinavian design elements, both of which celebrate natural elements, comfort and clean lines.” Wood decking, a nearby plunge pool and lush greenery nestle this sweet space into an oasis-like setting, accomplishing Shanty’s mission to soothe in a sustainable and stylish way.

Open Air

Photography: Jenna Peffley | DESIGN, Shanty Wijaya, Allprace Homes. ACCENT CHAIRS, Makers and Smiths. RUG, Mehraban Rugs. COFFEE TABLE, Article. SCONCES, Arteriors. RECORD PLAYER, Crosley. Exterior custom BANQUETTE, through Allprace Homes. CHAIRS, Article. EXTERIOR PAINT, Wrought Iron 2124-10, Benjamin Moore.

Tucked among the trees, The Sanctuary Space, clad in slats of locally sourced Accoya wood, opens to nature via double doors that designer Shanty Wijaya added to the modular building. Raised vegetable beds flank the wooden walkway that connects the shed to a spa area. The yard offers plenty of places to lounge, meditate and dine al fresco.

Wood & Water

Photography: Jenna Peffley | DESIGN, Shanty Wijaya, Allprace Homes. ACCENT CHAIRS, Makers and Smiths. RUG, Mehraban Rugs. COFFEE TABLE, Article. SCONCES, Arteriors. RECORD PLAYER, Crosley. Exterior custom BANQUETTE, through Allprace Homes. CHAIRS, Article. EXTERIOR PAINT, Wrought Iron 2124-10, Benjamin Moore.

The freestanding Accoya wood deck is the second of six terraced decks. Its plunge pool is surrounded by plantings, including potato vines, nandina, azalaea, camelia and cypress. A Japanese maple reaches skyward from the orb-shaped planter, which was chosen to offset the linearity of the deck’s design.

Elemental Style

Photography: Jenna Peffley | DESIGN, Shanty Wijaya, Allprace Homes. ACCENT CHAIRS, Makers and Smiths. RUG, Mehraban Rugs. COFFEE TABLE, Article. SCONCES, Arteriors. RECORD PLAYER, Crosley. Exterior custom BANQUETTE, through Allprace Homes. CHAIRS, Article. EXTERIOR PAINT, Wrought Iron 2124-10, Benjamin Moore.

Simple furnishings that emphasize natural materials provide a serene spot for reading or reflection. The leather-and-wood armchairs are drawn up to a marble coffee table atop a wool rug. The sofa provides a laid-back place to lounge while listening to the retro-style record player.

Scandinavian Simplicity

Photography: Jenna Peffley | DESIGN, Shanty Wijaya, Allprace Homes. ACCENT CHAIRS, Makers and Smiths. RUG, Mehraban Rugs. COFFEE TABLE, Article. SCONCES, Arteriors. RECORD PLAYER, Crosley. Exterior custom BANQUETTE, through Allprace Homes. CHAIRS, Article. EXTERIOR PAINT, Wrought Iron 2124-10, Benjamin Moore.

Shanty chose black paint with blue undertones for the building’s exterior. A split-style Dutch door can be opened for a lovely cross-breeze. The metal outdoor lighting is simple. “It’s a twist on a Scandi-farmhouse look,” says Shanty.

Easy Being Green

Photography: Jenna Peffley | DESIGN, Shanty Wijaya, Allprace Homes. ACCENT CHAIRS, Makers and Smiths. RUG, Mehraban Rugs. COFFEE TABLE, Article. SCONCES, Arteriors. RECORD PLAYER, Crosley. Exterior custom BANQUETTE, through Allprace Homes. CHAIRS, Article. EXTERIOR PAINT, Wrought Iron 2124-10, Benjamin Moore.

A vintage table is surrounded with smooth plastic chairs in robin’s egg blue. The outdoor dining area is framed by custom-built bench-seating and topped with store-bought outdoor cushions. The graphic lawn is fashioned from faux turf, not real grass, to reduce maintenance.

Comfort, Naturally

Photography: Jenna Peffley | DESIGN, Shanty Wijaya, Allprace Homes. ACCENT CHAIRS, Makers and Smiths. RUG, Mehraban Rugs. COFFEE TABLE, Article. SCONCES, Arteriors. RECORD PLAYER, Crosley. Exterior custom BANQUETTE, through Allprace Homes. CHAIRS, Article. EXTERIOR PAINT, Wrought Iron 2124-10, Benjamin Moore.

Built-in shelves of white oak, panel walls and maple floors ensure a space that’s natural and soothing. To balance the warm woods, Shanty used silver-toned metal sconces and brought in wall art. Houseplants are a key nod to nature. A lamp with a spherical shade provides instant evening “moonlight.”