In the picturesque Beverly Crest district of Los Angeles, on a hillside overlooking the city’s skyline, stands the Sheats-Goldstein residence. This iconic home, designed by visionary American architect John Lautner, is a fascinating example of so-called organic architecture that uniquely blends with its surrounding natural environment. Built between 1961 and 1963, the building is not only stunning in its form, but also conceals a rich history of transformation and passion.
Architectural symbiosis with nature
John Lautner, known for his innovative approach to design, created the Sheats-Goldstein residence with harmony with the terrain in mind. The building literally grows out of the sandstone slope, resembling a natural cave that opens up to spectacular views. With the concept of ‘from the inside out’, the form of the house is an organic extension of both the natural landscape and the needs of its first occupants, Helen and Paul Sheats.
Materials and design concept Sheats-Goldstein
Characteristically for Lautner, the project began with an idea and only then did a structure emerge that intelligently responded to the challenges of the unique location. Angular walls, built-in furniture and open space were all elements that rejected the conventional ‘boxy’ approach to construction. Concrete and glass were the main materials used to blur the boundaries between inside and outside. Concrete forms the floors and walls, and carpets were designed to resemble small stones. A frameless glass wall in the living room further enhances this sense of oneness with the outdoors, offering breathtaking views of Los Angeles. Vines wrapping the walls and lush tropical vegetation complete this natural character of the building.
Additional property features: Above Horizon and Club James
The sprawling 1.5 hectare-plus property features hidden pathways, ponds and grassy spaces that become an integral part of the exterior characteristics of the house. However, that is not all. The uniqueness of the Sheats-Goldstein residence is also highlighted by the remarkable Above Horizon skyscraper by James Turrell. Built into the hillside below the main building, this artistic structure with two windows opening to the sky and a built-in lounge with thousands of hidden LEDs, is a fascinating combination of architecture and light art. Significantly, the terrace, office space and ‘Club James’ nightclub below the house were added later by James Goldstein with deep respect for Lautner’s original vision.
Original owners Helen and Paul Sheats
The house was originally built for Helen and Paul Sheats, a couple fascinated by architecture and art. Helen was an architectural designer and painter, and Paul a professor at UCLA. They had already commissioned Lautner to design the flats, which showed their confidence in his innovative style.
The collaboration between James Goldstein and John Lautner
In 1972, however, the house gained a new owner, businessman James Goldstein. At the time, the building was in need of extensive renovation, the living room was missing walls and the heating system was not working. Goldstein undertook the ambitious task of renovating and modernising the mansion, enlisting John Lautner himself. For more than two decades, Goldstein and Lautner ‘improved’ the house together, until the architect’s death in 1994. It was through this long-term collaboration that the Sheats-Goldstein residence became one of Lautner’s most complete and unadulterated works. The architect designed not only the building itself, but also the interiors, windows, lighting, carpets, furniture and many other details, creating a coherent and harmonious whole.
Unique architectural features of Sheats-Goldstein
Unique features are worth mentioning, such as the coffered ceiling of the living room with 750 glass skylights, the cooling system based on cross ventilation and the underfloor and pool heating via copper pipes. Originally, the living room was completely open to the terrace, protected only by an air curtain, making perfect use of the mild Southern California climate. The master bedroom and studio had windows facing the pool, a special request of Helen Sheats so that she could watch her children while she worked.
The Sheats-Goldstein residence in popular culture
The Sheats-Goldstein residence, with its unique architecture and fascinating history, has become an icon not only of Los Angeles, but of world architecture. Its beauty and unique character have also attracted the attention of film and music makers, hosting productions such as ‘The Big Lebowski’, ‘Charlie’s Angels: Dizzying Speed’ and Nelly’s music videos, which only confirms its unique place in popular culture.
Handing over the residence to the LACMA museum
In 2016, James Goldstein decided to donate the mansion and the surrounding property to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) as a promised gift. The donation also includes an extensive art collection, original architectural models and a 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. This unprecedented donation safeguards the legacy of John Lautner’s home and work and highlights his importance in Los Angeles architectural history.
Source: architectuul.com, thelocalproject.com.au
Photos: Sterling Reed for Open Space Series(instagram)
Also read: United States | Villas and residences | Architecture | History | Modernism | Interesting facts
