Ojai Canyon Compound
An architectural photographer pictures a fireproof property.
Ojai Canyon, CA
If you ask architectural photographers who they look up to in the industry, Mike Kelley would be on everyone’s list. The creator of AP Almanac, is the authority on architectural photography and sought after by top firms to capture homes and buildings around the world. When he’s not traveling around the world, Mike and partner Melanie Eppright have found respite in their secluded property within Ojai Canyon.
The catch? It’s in the middle of one of California’s most vulnerable fire regions.
Mike and Melanie’s home, cottage, and barn narrowly escaped the Thomas Fire in 2018 and wasn’t too far from the devastating LA fires earlier this year. Now, the duo is determined to keep their structures standing no matter what, and they are bringing you along on the journey.
Design & Construction Credits
Homeowners: Mike Kelly and Melanie Eppright
Production Credits
Video: Pearl MF
Project Status: Under Construction
Completion Date: Fall 2025
Product Partnerships
Get your product featured on the Ojai Canyon Compound
Product Categories
Exterior
Fire Resistant Roofing
Fire Resistant Siding
House Wrap/WRB
Insulation
Windows
Outdoor
Decking
Deck Framing
Railing
Suana
Interior Finishes
Flooring
Trim & Moulding
Interior Doors
Pocket Door
Fireplace
Kitchen & Bath
Bathroom Fixtures
Bathroom Tile
Kitchen Appliances
Cabinets & Hardware
Countertops
People
The Property
Mike and Melanie's Ojai sanctuary sits in a tranquil canyon, just a short drive from the heart of the town of Ojai, CA, but it's also a place where the threat of wildfire is a constant reality. In 2018, the Thomas Fire swept through the area, a stark reminder of this ever-present danger. Their property, thankfully, survived, but the experience fueled their determination to make their home as fire-resistant as possible. The property itself is more than just their Craftsman-style main house; it also boasts a renovated barn, now a versatile studio, and guest cottage, which is destined to become a welcoming retreat for visiting family. The main house is wrapped in three decks, offering outdoor living space, but these are showing their age and are slated for an upgrade. The current landscaping is a bit unruly and doesn't do much to protect the home from fire, so a transformation is in order, with plans for drought-tolerant succulents, cacti, and stones to create a fire-resistant barrier.
The Progress
The couple has already showcased their renovation talents with the stunning transformation of the barn, drawing inspiration from the clean lines and functionality of Icelandic architecture. They've also taken proactive steps to safeguard their property from the threat of wildfires. This includes upgrading their water tank and system to ensure a reliable water source for fire suppression, a crucial lesson learned from the 2018 Thomas Fire. They've also started replacing sections of siding with Hardie Backer Board and Batten to improve fire resiliency.
What's Next
The next chapter in their renovation journey involves the cabin. They envision it as a cozy haven for their parents, offering a comfortable space for extended visits when their family grows.
The cabin will undergo a complete metamorphosis, with plans to vault the ceilings, flood the interior with natural light through new windows and skylights, and update the flooring and fixtures. The layout will be reimagined to maximize space and functionality. Drawing inspiration from traditional red Swedish cottages, they plan to infuse the cabin with a warm and playful Nordic aesthetic, echoing the simple architectural forms and connection to nature found in Scandinavian design. Back at the main house, they're eager to add a dormer, bringing to life a design detail from the original blueprints and enhancing the home's Craftsman charm. The aging decks will be replaced with more fire-resistant materials, and the landscaping will be redesigned to create defensible space and incorporate drought-tolerant plants. All these efforts are driven by their desire to create a beautiful and safe haven in their fire-prone environment.
