The New Case Study House BY CRAIG ELLWOOD, DESIGNER

21

Consulting Engineers: Mackintosh & Mackintosh; General Contractor: Henry Salzman; Landscape
Architect: Eric Armstrong, Jocelyn Domela collaborating; Furnishings: Stanley Young for Frank Bros.

This house is the latest in a series sponsored

and built by the magazine, ARTS & ARCHITEC­
TURE, in its continuing Case Study House Pro­
gram. As in the past, we attempted to use new
and quality materials in the making of a small
modern house which will equate a reasonable
economy, contemporary living patterns and a
beautiful environment.
The site is a leveled hillside with a southerly
view of city and sea and a westerly view of val­
leys and mountains; irregular in shape, the prop­
erty is approximately 70'x 100'. The limited lot
size, with certain restricting deed requirements,
and the selection of view exposures governed the
■I plan layout and the site orientation. The open
u? X 1
plan, the details, and the specifications were de­
veloped with reasonable budget considerations,
but the best practices by way of quality material
-
and craftsmanship were employed.
To achieve ease of construction, economy, and
design harmony, the basic plan is a four-foot
modular rectangle. Interior walls, however, ex­
tend through the perimeter walls of glass to pro­
vide house-garden interpenetration, thereby not
confining space to room boundaries.
The steel structural system is eight-foot modular
with 2Ya" square pipe columns and 6" “I”
beams; all connections are job-welded. The
square shape of the steel tube provided detail
simplification, and its fine structural line is com­
plementary with other detailing throughout the
structure. Two and one-half inches of the bottom
flange of each beam is left visible through use of
metal plaster trim to align with the exposed steel
columns throughout the structure. Accented with
red lead oxide paint, terra cotta in color, the
structural steel frame becomes the basic element
of the design expression.
Besides the exposed steel, basic exterior mate­
rials are glass, masonry, plaster, and siding.
The obscure glass, Luxlite, is used effectively to
provide privacy within the courtyards without
limiting light. Square tubing is used again here
as a framework for the translucent panels. A
five-foot wall of Davidson hollow clay block sep-
 □rates the carport area from the entryway; three
skylights of polished Misco wire glass centered
between the exposed structural beams open the
plastered roof slab to the sky to provide sunlight
and warmth in the entryway. The horizontal roof
slab plane is unbroken except for skylights and
recessed lighting fixtures. Ceilings and fascia of
the roof slab, and plaster walls are of Crownite
lightweight pumice aggregate. The modular pan­
els of 1" x 6" specially detailed Douglas fir sid­
ing are repeated between the exposed column
verticals, and in consideration of harmony, the
vertical siding is extended across the 4Z x 8' entry
door.
The entry garden is planted with acanthus,
bronze New England flax, evergreen grape ivy,
and ornamental strawberry. The potted plant is
rare asparagus retrofactus and the trees are
strawberry guava.
It was the desire to keep the landscape as
simple, as useful, and as easily maintained as
possible, and yet have the luxury of rich forms
and textures—all within a nominal budget. To
complement the architecture, interesting forms of
plant material, rapid in growth, and unique to
Southern California, were specified.
A perimeter hollow clay block curb and wall
define the physical limits of the site and control
water runoff. Play, service, and garden storage
areas are provided, and a hollow clay block
wall separates these areas from the living gar­
den. A jungle gym, designed by Eric Armstrong,
makes further use of this wall, and becomes a
sculptural element in the landscape—changing
its shadow pattern throughout the day. Nearby
is an open space of lawn for more active play.
A low bench for sunning and for the display of
tubbed plant material leads into the view section
of the garden, with its garden furniture, pools,
and plant materials. A mound here weds the site
to the surrounding landscape and offers a feeling
of protection from the wide canyon below. Eu­
calyptus Pulverulenta trees will grow to give
filtered shade and wind protection without re­
stricting the view. Three steel bowls serve
diverse uses—firstly, as sculpture—but more spe­
cifically, as a rock garden, a cactus-succulent
garden, and a bird bath. At night their sculptural
quality is emphasized by being lit from beneath,
becoming huge reflectors of soft light.

RIGHT: ALL ROOMS ARE DIRECTLY ACCESSIBLE FROM THE

CENTRALIZED ENTRY. THE CABINET IN THE RIGHT FORE­
GROUND IS THE GUEST WARDROBE. MATERIALS----- ENTRY
FLOOR: TERRA COTTA MOSAIC TILE PAVERS BY THE MOSAIC
TILE CO.: CARPETING: KLEARFLAXS "MESABI LINEN”:
WALLS: DOUGLAS FIR SIDING AND WHITE. SMOOTH-FINISH
PLASTER: CEILING: INSULATING/SOUNDPROOFING. TEXTURED
PUMICE PLASTER. FIXTURES AND ACCESSORIES----- LIGHT FIX­
TURE: ‘ • LYTECASTER'’ BY LIGHTOLIER: INDIRECT TUBE
LIGHTING: GLOBE LIGHTING PRODUCTS. INC.: THE LIGHT
SCULPTURE IS DESIGNED BY SAM ELTON.

The strong rectangular mass of the chimney

and the rough textured Palos Verdes stone con­
trasts sharply with the fineness of detailing and
the openness of plan. The contrast is complemen­
tary, the random pattern of the earth-gray rock
provides a surprise divergence from the regulated
patterns of the other elements, and the con­
centrated strength of the mass secures the struc­
ture to the site at a position where it is needed—
next to the embankment which slopes off to the
canyon below.
A reflecting pool alongside the chimney mirrors
sky and structure to add a dimension of depth;
the pool illuminates at night, radiating a soft
glow of refracted light. The four jets are at
varying heights and are painted black.
The barbecue hearth and firebox is of ceramic
Mosaic tile and the motor-driven Rotir unit turns
seven skewers simultaneously; grill height is
crank-adjustable. The sun shield is of inverted
steel angles welded to 2’A" square tubing. Gar­
den furniture is from Van Keppel-Green’s.
24

Approximately 3200 square feet are under

roof; the house proper is 1750 square feet. The
Tootage made necessary the partitioning and ap­
portioning of space for maximum utility. Bed­
rooms and baths are minimized; to set the theme,
the entry size is a generous 8' x 1 2Z; an accor­
dion wall opens the TV room to the 16' x 28'
living area to increase the length to 40'; the
12'x 12' dining area opens to both the living
and work (kitchen-service) areas. Steelbilt steel­
framed sliding glass door units open all rooms to
terraces and courtyards.
The Payne perimeter forced-air heating sys­
tem warms the exterior walls and eliminates the
cool downdrafts caused by heat loss through the
glass; a Thermodulor furnace control modulates
flame and fan operation to provide maximum
efficiency of performance.
The built-in cabinet of Nevamar plastic lami­
nate in the TV room houses television, radio,
phonograph, speaker, and record album storage.
Television may be remotely controlled through
use of in-the-slab conduit provisions. This room
can also serve as a guest bedroom.
To provide visual freedom and to maintain
definition of the architectural elements, the roof
slab is floated over the vertical wall planes and
the walls are lifted from the floor slab with a
black recessed base; the birch slab doors are
ceiling-height and walls are not pierced with
windows and doors, but rather each element is
articulated as a separate unit, governed by its
function and the integrity of the material.

For further information on Merit Specified products see page 46

OPPOSITE PAGE ABOVE: LIVING ROOM SEEN FROM THE DEN. THE HIKIE. COVERED IN BEIGE
PERUVIAN LINEN IS BY FRANK BROS. THE EXPANDABLE TEAK AND STEEL BENCH WAS DESIGNED
BY HOLLIS CHRISTENSEN FOR DAKNEY. ON THE RIGHT. A FINN JUHL WALNUT ANO SYCAMORE
DOUBLE CHEST AND LAMP TABLE FROM BAKER FURNITURE, INC. CERAMIC TILE HEARTH BY
THE MOSAIC TILE COMPANY; FIREPLACE ACCESSORIES DESIGNED BY MEL BOGART FOR FELMORE
ASSOCIATES.

ABOVE: SOFA DESIGNED BY EDWARD FRANK. COVERED IN BEIGE AND BLACK JUTE FABRIC BY
ALEXANDER GIRARD FOR THE HERMAN MILLER FURNITURE COMPANY.

BELOW RIGHT: A WHITE MODERNFOLD ACCORDION DOOR DIVIDES THE DEN ANO LIVING ROOM.
FOLKE OHLSSON DESIGNED THE TWO LOUNGE CHAIRS OF SMOKED OAK FOR DUX FURNITURE.
LAMP BY PAUL MCCOBB. CANVAS FLOOR CHAIRS. ••TILTS’* BY MOOERN COLOR.

BELOW LEFT: LOUNGE CHAIRS BY HANS WEGNER; INTERIOR PLANTS BY POTS AND PLANS: THE
OCCASIONAL CHAIR OF MAPLE AND WALNUT DESIGNED BY FINN JUHL FOR BAKER FURNITURE, INC.

OPPOSITE PAGE BELOW: ON THE FINN JUHL CHEST A LAMP BY ISAMU NOGUCHI AND TWO PYRA­
MID VASES BY MALCOLM LELAND FROM CALIFORNIA CLAYWARE. THE OTHER LAMP SHOWN IS AN
ITALIAN IM.PORT FROM LIGHTREND COMPANY.
26

THIS HOUSE IS NOW OPEN FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT 1811 BEL AIR ROAD,

The floating roof slab and freestanding wall

partitions combine with the perimeter walls of
plate glass to create the impression of unre­
stricted space.
Each bedroom has its own private courtyard;
a baffle of obscure glass, integrated with the
architecture, protects these courts and assures
privacy from the street. The Glide-All steel­
framed sliding wardrobe panels are vertical grain
Douglas fir. The 4 ’A' x 8' mirror in each bedroom
is mounted on a Revolvodor panel; this unit re­
volves to provide additional closet space.
Fluorescent tubes over the wardrobes light the
cabinet interior, as well as provide general room
illumination. Throughout the house lighting is de­
signed to eliminate the glare of the source with­
out restricting efficiency. General interior illumi­
IN THE ENTRY HALL A GLASS TOP TABLE DESIGNED BY EDWARD WORMLEY FOR DUNBAR.
nation is by recessed tubes (Globe Lighting Prod­
ucts, Inc.); general exterior illumination is by
ceiling-mounted recessed, louvred Marco fixtures.
The wall brackets for direct lighting and dramatic
spots are Lightolier’s “Lytecasters,” and the per­
forated black metal dome entry fixtures are by
Gruen Lighting Company.
Bedroom chairs are designed by Eames for
the Herman Miller Company; the walnut plywood
slab beds with attached tables are designed by
Craig Ellwood for Modern Color, Inc.; mattresses
are 4%" airfoam by American Latex, Inc. Out­
door furniture is by Van Keppel-Green.
 27

LOS ANGELES. IT WILL BE SHOWN ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 12 TO 5 P.M.

STEEL FRAMES FOR SLIDING GLASS DOORWAIL UNITS BY STEELBILT ARE USED THROUGHOUT THE MOUSE.
frpy.
 29

The interiors of the Case Study House for 1953

evolved front a basic consideration of the archi­
tectural design, with reference to the liveability
of the furnishings together with their aesthetic
contribution to the whole; the whole being the
house, the location, the time, and the occupants.
The furniture selected is primarily a reflection
of a trend toward refinement. The Finn fuhl and
Hans Wegner chairs provide not only comfortable
but handsome seating; their sculptured arm rests
are pleasant to the touch and their use of natural
woods joined with unselfconscious directness has
resulted in furniture of simple elegance with in-
tregity of design.
The light airy feeling of the house is restated
in the furnishings, and the versatility of the plan
for either formal or informal entertaining is logi­
cally utilized by the selection of flexible pieces.
Chairs and tables may be easily regrouped to suit
the occasion for which they may be required to
serve.
Since the outdoor areas are an integral part of
the architecture, the garden furniture reflects the
same spirit as the interior furnishings, which
minimizes the glass barriers and contributes to the
general feeling of uninterrupted space.
All materials are of natural or neutral colors,
selected for their quality of texture, and blended
together for the achievement of a serene back­
ground for living and to offer no conflict with the
grandeur of the natural view.
Color emphasis is singularly stated in the casual
pillows which are used in the living area. These
may be easily changed to add a new freshness or to
accent the transitory moods of the occupants.
While interiors were designed to become an
integrated part of the architecture, in the final
analysis, they must be appraised on how well they
will serve the daily requirements of the occupants
and to what degree they will contribute to a con­
structive and enjoyable experience in everyday
living.
—Stanley Young for Frank Bros.

From the master bedroom, the lights from

Westwood and Beverly Hills to the coastline and
the Palos Verdes Hills can be seen. The ocean
and the channel islands are visible during the
day. A bath adjoins this room and behind the
bed island wall is a make-up cabinet of Nevamar
plastic laminate. This cabinet includes a smail
lavatory and a counter-mounted Moen single­
lever-control fitting; the wall over the counter is
completely mirrored, and mirror lighting is re­
cessed fluorescent tubing.
 30

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARVIN RAND ]

The entry opens to the service room, and both

service and kitchen open to the child play yard
with its gravel ground covering and wall-mounted
blackboard. Beyond the child play yard is the
garden furniture and tool storage closet, the gas-
fired incinor unit, and the service yard; yard sep­
arations are effected with walls of hollow clay
block.
The kitchen is all-gas with a Western-Holly
built-in range and oven; all cabinets are Shirley
white-enameled steel; strip tube lighting is over
and under the wall cabinets, and continuous
Plugmold strip convenience outlets extend the
full length of the counter. An accordion panel
over the counter opens the kitchen to the dining
area, and Steelbilt sliding door units open to the
terrace for outdoor dining.

1. BENDIX WASHING MACHINE AND DRYER: GENERAL WATER HEATER; SHIRLEY WALL CABINETS
AND WESTERN.HOLLY BUILT-IN GAS OVEN.

2. ALL COUNTER TOPS AND SPLASH ARE LAMINATEO PLASTIC ••NEVAMAR” BY NATIONAL
PLA9TICS. VENT FAN IN THE KITCHEN FROM NUTONE: MOOERNFOLD ACCORDION WALL PANEL
BETWEEN KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM: SERVEL REFRIGERATOR: WESTERN-HOLLY BUILT-IN
COOKING TOP.

3. LIGHT FIXTURE IN THE DINING AREA IS FINLANDIA’ REEL LIGHT FROM GRUEN LIGHTING.

4. FLOOR. WALLS. AND RECESSED SHOWER TUB ARE BLACK. WHITE. AND TERRA COTTA TILE
BY THE MOSAIC TILE COMPANY; ACCORDION GLASS PARTITION FROM AMERICAN SHOWER
DOOR COMPANY: BATHROOM FIXTURES BY CRANE COMPANY: BATHROOM ACCESSORIES BY
FARIES MANUFACTURING COMPANY. VENT FAN AND CEILING HEATER BY NUTONE.

B DINING ROOM SET DESIGNED BY HANS WEGNER: GLASS PANEL DOOR FROM AMERICAN SHOWER
DOOR COMPANY ON GLASSWARE STORAGE CABINET
3
 31

4 5
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DETAILS from the Case Study House

The use of form, line, color and texture and

the consideration and application of detailing
are usually the measures of quality of a structure.
Here, the colors black, white and terra cotta
and natural surfaces of wood and masonry have
been composed to form strong contrasts and
subtle harmonies.
Articulation of each element, however minor,
has played an important part in achieving the
overall crispness and completeness of detailing.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARVIN RANG

For further information on Merit Specified products seee page 46