john lautner: sheats goldstein residence
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'sheats goldstein residence' by john lautner, beverly hills, california
image © artjocks
while in los angeles, designboom had the opportunity to visit john lautner's iconic 'sheats goldstein residence'.
the showing, held on what would have been the late american architect's 100th birthday, was part of the months long
john lautner turns 100 series taking place in LA and michigan.
the dwelling - seen here in its current state with photographs by new york and LA-based artjocks - is one of lautner's
best known works. originally built between 1961 and 1963, the home is now owned by james goldstein, who worked
with lautner for over two decades before his death to restore and renovate the property.
detail of roof over pool
image © artjocks
read as an extension of the landscape, the design seeks to seamlessly integrate itself with the lush surroundings,
blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior. built into the sandstone ledge of the hillside, the home is both
cavernous and exposed, opening to accept unsurpassed views over the city and the encircling natural environment.
view into living room
image © artjocks
perhaps the most recognizable element of the home is the coffered roof, which gently projects from the living room
and folds down above the pool. pierced with 750 drinking-glass skylights, the triangular volume mimics the shape of
the terrace and water, its monumental form linking the residence to the city.
living room with built in furniture by john lautner
image © artjocks
the bold and raw skeleton, made from poured-in-place concrete consumes the home in its entirety, juxtaposed only by
glazed walls and rosewood floors. the custom built in furniture - also designed by lautner - uniquely responds to the
orientation and function of each room, positioned to take advantage of the adjacent views. the kitchen, windows, lights,
rugs, and operable functions were also conceived by the architect.
(left) detail of furniture
(right) corridor
images © artjocks
entrance to bedroom
images © artjocks
bedroom
image © artjocks
a lounge in the bedroom follows the lines of the exterior walls, and points towards the city
image © artjocks
garage
image © artjocks
the skyspace, designed by light artist james turrell in collaboration with architect, duncan nicholson,
is an art installation located on a steep slop below the residence. built using the same materials as the main house,
the space features two retractable portals that open to reveal the sky and views of the city.
two portals - one in the wall, one in the ceiling - open to reveal the sky and city skyline
image © designboom
the openings, which fold away using carbon fiber composite materials, were made by a local aerospace engineer.
thousands of hidden LED lights flood the space colors
image © designboom
thousands of hidden LED's flood the room with vibrant colors that contrast the serene hues of sunrise and sunset.
the retractable elements were made by an aerospace engineer
image © designboom
a mattress is embedded into the floor beneath the skylight, providing a place to relax and stargaze.
detail of recessed lights
image © designboom
floor plan / level 0
image courtesy of james goldstein
floor plan / level -1
image courtesy of james goldstein
the furniture is horrible but the house amazing, remember those old houses of the 30′s 40′s
The furniture in the living room is really growing on me. The house in amazing and still feels relevant despite its age.
Dude i swear i see this horrible furniture in The Big Lebowski movie! iconic horrible!
WOW!
It was in The Big Lebowski! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFcJ3IHFGqQ
I LOVE the furniture! Absolutely makes it.
yeah, the furniture is actually really great, without it… this house wouldn’t resonate like it has as an architectural landmark. Maybe what you are trying to say is it isn’t timeless, and it isn’t – but it fits the period, and is a perfect window into that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIQihN–98Y
Its tha house in a Snoop Dogg Pharrell production
what’s the problem with the furniture? can you imagine how atrocious Barcelona chairs would look in here?
Zaha, eat your heart out
well said gimmy!
I don’t think all the furniture pieces are equally compelling, but overall they still hold water. It feels fresh after 5 decades, one could re-take such designs and use different fabrics or even leather and treat them in a more contemporary fashion, perhaps inject more color, but the overall form and proportion feels right. The house is a great example of indoor/outdoor mentality, neither too exposed not too concealed, absolutely love it
Fantastically idiosyncratic design, and quite livable — unlike, say, some Wright houses. But what’s with this text: “The design seeks to seamlessly integrate itself with the lush surroundings . . . ” How is the triangle integral to botany? The house feels in harmony with its surroundings, partly because it’s low and folded into the vegetation, but seamlessly integrated?
I have also had the honour of a tour of this house. It’s so sexy! The powder room walls are all mirror, and the surrounding landscape features a James Turrell sky space complete with a leather bed in it. From the bedroom you have a window view into the swimming pool. It is in my opinion, the most hedonistic home ever.
Luxury and glamour!
Holy Concrete!
Holy USS Enterprise!
Bridge to Transporter, lock on!
I have been to this house. It is wonderful and refreshing, informal and heroic. Although some details felt awkward or dated, they did not detract at all from its inspired, creative power. It had the bones of a god.