In 2008 I was fortunate to be able to go inside John Lautner’s Tyler Residence, thanks to a limited tour organized by the Mak Center in Conjunction with The Hammer Museum‘s exhibit ‘Between Earth and Heaven: The Architecture of John Lautner. The home owners graciously open up their home to bus loads of architectural enthusiasts like myself, and let us meander through their residence snapping photos of whatever appealed to us. There are several images online of this homes exteriors, but not many of its interiors. Therefore, I’m thrilled that I can contribute to the online dialogue of this valuable architectural treasure.

Located in Studio City California, this two-bedroom, two bath home  was built in 1950 and is often referred to as a Triangular Modernist Home, and sometimes even a tree house. It could safely be said that many of Lautner’s homes feel like tree houses since they’re built site specific to work with the natural environment. This is one the hallmarks of his design, a total environment that takes into account the existing assets of the land where the home will be built.

The homes living room is triangular in shape and appears to float out into the trees, as you can see by the first image. Lautner’s works were always complete works of art, not cookie cutter homes, therefore, he continued the use of the triangle as a design element throughout the home.  Look at that great skylight, have you ever seen one like it before? And check out that roof overhang with the triangular shape enhanced by the lack of an actual roof.  Even the shower is triangular in shape.

The other design element that makes this home so exceptional, is the use of the wide wood planks, both inside and out. Repetition is key in creating a design vocabulary, which is exactly what Lautner has done here.  With these types of homes, lets call them Homes as Art,  there’s an even greater responsibility to the community at large. Maintaining the home, while still yielding to the architects intent, can be a fine line to walk. Some neighborhoods, like Los Angeles’s Hancock Park, impose an HPOZ (historic preservation overlay zone) to help raise awareness in regards to the historic value of the homes in their neighborhoods.  I’m not sure if there’s an HPOZ in place for Studio City, but this home appears to be in remarkably great shape. Just look at the luster of those wood planks.  Owning a home built by one of California’s most noteworthy architects only adds to the scrutiny of those ‘prying eyes’ usually limited to nosey neighbors. The architectural community at large always has something to say, especially now that there’s so much awareness regarding our local treasures. We now know that we have a greater responsibility to future generations who at some point will also learn to value our remarkable history. I’m so thrilled that the home owners of the Tyler Residence continue to support the legacy of architects such as John Lautner.  Bravo!!