Discussion

   "...The site for CSH #21 is a level building pad in the hills with a sweeping view to the south. The orientation of glazed walls is north and south, with solid walls on the east and west. The basic design element of the plan is an island core of division between the living area and the two bedrooms. By disengaging the baths from the exterior walls and facing them onto a court, the curtain walls were simplified.

"The house, surrounded completely by pools, introduces a new concept in making water an integral structure and landscape element. Brick terraces, spanning the pools, lead to the living areas, and the terraces add another plane and texture to the interplay between water and structure. During the hot months the water is pumped hydraulically from the pool to the roof gutter to fall through the scuppers and circulate and aerate the pool.

"The house is a series of 10- by 22-foot bays 9 feet high; each frame is composed of an 8-inch I-beam, floor channel and three 4-inch wide flange columns. The frames were shop- fabricated and delivered to the site in one piece. The two exterior bays came shop-equipped with a 4-inch channel which tied into the columns at sill height..."

-from Esther McCoy. Case Study Houses 1945-1962. p117-118.

The Creator's Words

 "Industry has not learned the difference between what is beautiful in its simplicity and what is ugly although equally simple...."

"The pressure is so great that the architect is a captive. He functions best as a free agent."

-Pierre Koenig. from Esther McCoy. Case Study Houses 1945-1962. p118.

Details

9036 Wonderland Park Avenue, Los Angeles

size of lot: 110 by 160 feet
area of house: 1320 square feet
one story; 4 rooms: living room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
material: steel decking, steel frame