3644 Buena Park Drive
Studio City, CA 91604
3 BR, 2 BA
$1,199,000

Today I checked out the newly listed Waxman House, designed by Barry Moffitt in 1964. Moffitt, who studied with John Lautner, built the 1,972 square foot home for artist Arlene Waxman. It was photographed by Julius Shulman in 1965.

The residence is located in one of my favorite parts of Studio City, set up in the hills, among many other beautiful homes and architectural standouts. It maintains many original details, including a wood burning brick fireplace and features clear heart redwood paneling throughout.

I loved the high ceilings and abundance of light that floods in through the clerestory and vertical windows.

The 3 bedroom, 1 3/4 bath home also includes an additional office and terraced outdoor spaces. It’s sited on a wooded and private 6,740 square foot lot with landscaping by Jay Griffith.

If you’d like to see the Waxman House in person, email me or call me at 323-775-6305!

More info and photos of 3644 Buena Park Dr.

Listing courtesy of Victoria Horowitz, Deasy Penner & Partners.

Update: The votes are in! The Norton House in Pasadena was crowned Best Home Of 2011. This Buff & Hensman beauty received 23% of the votes (followed by 3705 Alzada and 1160 Chateau in a tie for second).

View This Poll

My vote was for 1160 Chateau, but the Norton House was a close second. It’s such a great house and I’m not surprised it won. Thanks for voting!

Check out all the top homes of 2011, after the break.

2011 was a great year for real estate in LA. We saw Lloyd Wrights, Lautners, Buff and Hensmans, and a host of other architecturally significant homes hit the market. I’ve blogged about so many great houses this year, but the following are my favorites.

The Sowden House in Los Feliz.

Luis Barragan remodel in Bel Air.

The Schnabel House in Brentwood.

Walt Disney House at 4053 Woking Way in Los Feliz.

1973 Redesdale Ave in Silver Lake.

3705 Alzada Road in Altadena.

John Lautner’s Polin House in the Hollywood Hills.

1160 Chateau Road in Pasadena.

And the winner:

The Norton House in Pasadena!

See the best homes of 2010.

8650 Pine Tree Place
Los Angeles, CA 90069
4 BR, 5 BA
$3,850,000

This architectural estate, originally built in 1940, was remodeled in 1951 by John Lautner for actress Anne Baxter (granddaughter of architect Frank Lloyd Wright) and her husband John Hodiak. The 3,642 square foot home was on the market a few years ago for the first time since 1966 (it was the longtime home of agent Hal Gefsky). It sold and was extensively renovated by Sharon Johnston A.I.A and Mark Lee, founders and Principals of Johnston Marklee.

The 4 bedroom 5 bath has a beautifully open floor plan with floor to ceiling walls of glass. The living room opens up to the stunning outdoor patio and heated pool, overlooking the lights of Los Angeles.

There are hardwood floors throughout, central heat and air, a wood burning fireplace in the living room, and an alarm system.

The first level provides the living room, dining room, office, guest room and kitchen.

The second level consists of a large master with walk-in closets, a second  bedroom suite, a den and family room.

The residence is sited on a 8,710 square foot lot. The location is extremely private and is just one block from the restaurants, bars and shops of the Sunset Strip! If you’d like to see this home in person, email me or give me a call at 323-775-6305.

More info and photos of 8650 Pine Tree Pl.

Listing courtesy of Santiago Arana, Partners Trust Beverly Hills.

3542 Multiview Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068
3 BR, 2 BA
$1,495,000

Since we’re in the midst of the John Lautner Turns 100 Celebration, why not really celebrate by owning your own Lautner home?

The Polin House just hit the market, built in 1947, it has been meticulously restored while staying true to Lautner’s original architectural design and integrity. The 1,342 square foot home features beautiful walls of glass, polished concrete floors and fantastic indoor/outdoor flow.

The residence is located in a tranquil setting, surrounded by mature trees, gardens, terraces and gorgeous views.

Check out more photos of the Polin House, after the break.

There is a fireplace in the living room. The home also comes equipped with an alarm system, central heat and central air conditioning.

The home includes a designer kitchen, formal dining room, and 3 bedrooms (one bedroom is currently being used as a den). An additional guest suite includes a bedroom, bath and kitchen.

It is neighbors with Lautner’s Jacobsen House and just a couple miles from the Carling House. The three homes have similar horizontal hexagonal steel frames.

This home is ideal for lovers of mid-century modern. It’s not huge at 1,342 square feet, but it obviously packs a powerful design punch. But with Lautner, that goes without saying.

The residence is sited on a 27,010 square foot lot with a landscaped yard, gardens and exceptional city and mountain views.

If you’d like to see Lautner’s Polin House in person, email me or give me a call at 323-775-6305!

More info and photos of 3542 Multiview Dr.

Listing courtesy of Aaron Kirman and Chad Rogers, Hilton & Hyland.`

As part of the year-long John Lautner Turns 100 series, The John Lautner Foundation and the Los Angeles Conservancy will co-present a panel discussion on Sunday, October 9, from 3pm-5pm at Wilshire Christian Church. Architects and owners of Lautner homes will explore various approaches to stewardship, from restoration to reconstruction and everything in between. The panelists will offer brief visual presentations of five recently renovated Lautner homes and share a range of views on sustaining the architect’s built legacy with the goal of advancing the discussion of preservation of Lautner (and other) structures in Los Angeles.

The panel will be moderated by Los Angeles Conservancy Executive Director Linda Dishman and will include:

• Helena Arahuete, Principal, Lautner Associates, discussing the Harvey Residence (1951)
• Frank Escher, board member, The John Lautner Foundation and Principal, Escher GuneWardena Architecture, discussing the Malin Residence (Chemosphere) (1960)
• Mark Haddawy, owner, Harpel House (1956)
• Michael LaFetra, Conservancy board member and owner/past owner of several Lautner homes, discussing the Rawlins Residence (1980)
• Ron Radziner, FAIA, Design Principal, Marmol Radziner, discussing the Garcia Residence (1962)

A reception will follow the panel discussion. Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for members of either presenting organization. Space is limited, reservations are required, and you can purchase tickets through the Los Angeles Conservancy.

Preserving Lautner’s Legacy: The Spectrum of Stewardship
Sunday, October 9, 3pm-5pm
Wilshire Christian Church Fellowship Hall
634 South Normandie Ave. (at Wilshire Blvd.)
Los Angeles, CA 90005

(Photo Source: The Getty)

The month of June is flying by. Before you know it, it’ll be July and time to celebrate everyone’s favorite summer holiday. No, not that one. John Lautner Day! The city of Los Angeles has officially declared July 16, 2011, John Lautner Day.

The date, which would have been the extraordinary architect’s 100th birthday, will kick off the John Lautner Turns 100 Series hosted by the John Lautner Foundation. The series will feature exhibitions, film screenings, home tours, symposia, and receptions. Some of the upcoming activities include:

• July 16 – John Lautner Day
• July 16-22 – John Lautner Exhibit at LACMA, commemorating Lautner’s Goldstein Office with panel discussions and more
• July 23 – MAK Center’s John Lautner 100th Birthday Tour, featuring the Harpel House (shown above, 1956), Jacobsen House (1947), Schwimmer House (1982), and the Sheats/Goldstein House (1963). Tickets available here.
• July 25 – Lautner Gala + Silent Auction at Harpel House
• July 30 – John Lautner Turns 100 Film Screening at American Cinematheque, Hollywood

For more information and events, and to purchase tickets, go here.

527 Whiting Woods Road
Glendale, CA 91208
2 BR, 2 BA
$1,495,000

John Lautner’s master work, The Schaffer Residence, is back on the market. Built in 1949, the redwood, concrete, and glass home is located at the foot of the Verdugo Mountains. It features 1,698 square feet of interior space, redwood beams, an open floor plan, walls of glass doors that open to the surrounding oak forest.

The residence has been meticulously restored, including all systems, surfaces, hardware, and appliances. The home was also featured in the 2009 film The Single Man.

The Schaffer Residence includes dining and den areas, two bedrooms, laundry, two attached carports, fireplaces in the den and living room, built-ins, and more.

This beautiful architectural home is immersed in nature, yet is just 15 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. If you’d like to see the Schaffer Residence in person, email me or call me at 323-775-6305!

More info and photos of 527 Whiting Woods Rd.

Listing courtesy of Crosby Doe, Crosby Doe Associates, Inc.

I’m in love with this Burl Wood & Lucite Desk from Pieces. Crafted from burled mappa wood with lucite side panels, and stainless steel hardware, it’s perfect for a desk or a vanity. (By the way, does ‘burl’ make anyone else think of that Intervention episode? Just me? Ok then!) This lovely number was spotted in Lonny, of course. Doesn’t it look great paired with a striped wall? It’s on my someday wish list. Price: $2,750.

Or you could always buy an original, like a Sling Chair designed by Charles Hollis Jones in 1968. Jones was a pioneer in acrylic design,  and his work was commissioned by John Lautner, Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, and Johnny Carson. Presented in a gorgeous floating design, the lucite of the Sling Chair is stretched using a special process that makes it exceptionally strong without bulkiness. Contact L.A. Moderne for pricing and availability.

Jones also designed the Wisteria Chair for Tennessee Williams who wanted a comfortable, yet modern, writing chair. Contact MaterialEnvironment for pricing and availability.

And if the above items are going on your wish list for now, CB2 has something a little more immediately attainable, yet still chic. Peekaboo Clear Nesting Tables. Price: $199

Kristin Kilmer of Kristin Kilmer Design, Inc. has been the interior designer of some of the most architecturally significant homes in Los Angeles, including John Lautner’s Wolff House and Stevens House, R.M. Schindler’s How House, and Ray Kappe’s Canna Road House. Kilmer combines the theories and practices of the mid-century masters with the current materials of today to create her “Eco Modern Luxury” approach to design. Her company uses the fundamental green values, demonstrating that design can be both sustainable and luxurious. Kilmer took a few moments out of her busy schedule to talk to Take Sunset about how she started working with mid-century masterpieces, how she gets into the mind of Schindler and Lautner, and what she’s doing in Grey’s Anatomy’s Sara Ramirez’s bathroom in Echo Park…

Take Sunset: How did you start working with architecturally significant homes in Los Angeles?

Kristin Kilmer: It was a bit of a fluke actually. I’d just returned from studying interior architecture at the Instituto Europea di Design in Madrid and was working at Design Within Reach, where I generated private clients while still being one of the top sales people. Michael LaFetra walked in on a Sunday afternoon and we immediately hit it off. He asked me to help him with his Ray Kappe house for the upcoming architectural tour. We had such a synergy that within a week, he asked me to design the Schindler How House as well. My last day of work, in walked Richard Baker, who owned a mid-century in Los Feliz, and he hired me as well. Talk about beginner’s luck!

Take Sunset: What are the biggest challenges when working on these homes?

Kilmer: Each one is really like a “Master Thesis” in the sense that it is important to really get inside the heads of the architects–to study and know their methodologies, history, ideology, and what made them innovative during their time period. Each one broke boundaries in architecture during their time and executed what their peers deemed impossible. Schindler built on concrete and invented a new way of framing, Launter defied gravity in ways never before thought possible… Moreover, it’s fundamental to respect the architectural integrity of the home and not just stick a Barcelona chair in the space and call it a day.

For the Schindler house, I kept everything on his 16” module while keeping his table low–just like he insisted upon during those days. I recreated a lot of his lines and architectural features as well. For example, he used a specific drip strip molding in between the windowpanes, which inspired the edge of the dining room tabletop. For the lighting downstairs, I maintained his lines as well, but asked myself, “what would he do if he were alive today?” From there, I created a more contemporary look with the lighting pieces.

For the Lautner Wolff House, I incorporated vintage, natural pieces that juxtaposed with the exterior, but also with all of the interior stone. I followed the curves and angles by adding mid-century curvilinear furniture, but I also updated the home with some contemporary sustainable pieces that integrated perfectly, such as swivel chairs incorporated with cork fabric. The sofa followed the exact same lines and the spiral staircase and a cantilevered bookshelf emphasized the steps that jetted out from the stone in the same fashion–a genius way of engineering. I really put a lot of thought into my designs. The planning and conceptual phase is fundamental. I always say, Good design takes time!

Take Sunset: What is the most memorable project that you’ve worked on?

Kilmer: I would have to say the Lautner Wolff house. I was given a lot of creative freedom on that project because I knew Michael LaFetra’s taste and style by that time. And let’s face it. It’s a Lautner!

Take Sunset: What projects are you working on right now?

Kilmer: I’m working with Sara Ramirez from Grey’s Anatomy. We are doing a really innovative spa bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub designed on a platform in such a way that it almost looks like an infinity pool overlooking the hills in Echo Park. She is really into sustainability, so we are also incorporating a grey water system and focusing a lot on creating the space as a very healthy sanctuary. It is my most challenging project to date because the interior architecture that I designed is so complex that every square inch has to be micro-managed. Sara is an absolute dream to work with, as is the contractor Larry Byrnes, so I’m excited for the outcome! Sara has lived in extremely modest conditions up to this point in her life, and this is her first present to herself!

I’m also just finishing up the first prefab, modular LivingHome to be ever be installed in Orange County in Newport Beach. I custom designed practically all of the furniture for that home to integrate more storage and functionality. I believe part of being sustainable is creating modular pieces, so their twin teenager’s beds have drawers that can be dismantled and flat packed for easy transport.

I’m also the designer of the Go Green Home in Playa del Rey. As of right now, it has one of the highest Leed Platinum ratings to date and features the first solar powered eco elevator that runs on less electricity that a hair dryer.

Take Sunset: Wow, that’s amazing! In general, what are you goals when you start a new project?

Kilmer: First and foremost, my principal goal is to bring out my client’s vision and creativity, and to make it a co-creative process. I really don’t like it when a designer comes in and bullies someone into their own vision without considering the client’s needs. I will, however, veto something if I know if won’t work proportionally or it’s too trendy and they will tire of it. Longevity is really important. When I was a younger designer, I wasn’t confident enough to stand up for my hesitancy. But whenever I didn’t, the client was unhappy with their decision in the long run, and they would ended up wasting money because we would have to re-do it to what I originally advised!

I’m a sustainable designer, so a major goal is to keep renewable resources and energy efficiency in mind. Most importantly, non-toxicity in the home is key. We can’t save the planet if we are sick from poisons and mold in the home. And I always try to maintain the architectural integrity of the home both in the interior and how it juxtaposes with the exterior environment.

Other goals are to keep the process as stress-free as possible for the client, keep production running smoothly, maintain clear communication, solve problems quickly, stay within budget, and show clients their numbers with detailed spreadsheets and invoices. It’s frustrating to me that in the design world the schools don’t teach students any business skills. Luckily, I was in a few other professions before design because without that background, I would be dead already! On a day-to-day basis, very little of what we actually do is design. The bottom line is that you are running a business and wearing many hats. That’s the first thing my interns and assistants learn, and they are shocked. But ultimately, they are really grateful for the experience because they learn to run a business, and not how to be just designers.

Take Sunset: What is your favorite neighborhood in LA and why?

Kilmer: My favorite neighborhood is Venice, over by the pier where it’s more private and away from the boardwalk. I live right on Ocean Front walk, so I can walk and ride my bike anywhere on the weekends. Venice has a great sense of community, and the west side is at the forefront of the sustainable community. I really admire the work of David Hertz, and a lot of his houses are right by my place.

Thank you so much for this fascinating interview, Kristin! We look forward to keeping an eye on all your upcoming projects. Check out more about Kristin Kilmer on her website: kristinkilmerdesign.com.

“Visual Acoustics celebrates the life and career of Julius Shulman, the world’s greatest architectural photographer, whose images brought modern architecture to the American mainstream. Shulman, who passed away this year, captured the work of nearly every modern and progressive architect since the 1930s including Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, John Lautner, and Frank Gehry. His images epitomized the singular beauty of Southern California’s modernist movement and brought its iconic structures to the attention of the general public. This unique film is both a testament to the evolution of modern architecture and a joyful portrait of the magnetic, whip-smart gentleman who chronicled it with his unforgettable images.”

Check out this trailer for the film…

Film synopsis from juliusshulmanfilm.com.