A Wood-and-Glass Midcentury by Craig Ellwood Lists for the First Time Since 1965

The prominent Los Angeles modernist designed the post-and-beam residence—dubbed the Kubly House—for the original owners in Pasadena, California.
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Property Details:  

Location: 215 La Vereda Road, Pasadena, California

Price: $3,000,000

Year Built: 1965

Architect: Craig Ellwood

Footprint: 2,156 (four bedrooms, two baths)

From the agent: "Art Center College of Design was at the center of Don and Sally Kubly’s universe; both as alumni, and later when Don became the second president of the institution. At the time, the couple was deeply embedded in the creative fiber of midcentury-modern Los Angeles. Attracted to the iconoclastic personality of Craig Ellwood, and cutting-edge work of his firm, the Kublys selected Ellwood to design a modern residence to house their growing family. The resulting post-and-beam structure proved fitting for the Pasadena neighborhood where his contemporaries, several of them also Case Study architects, practiced their craft. Residence includes 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a swimming pool."

Self-taught architect Craig Ellwood designed the residence at 215 La Vereda Road in Pasadena, California, for Art Center College of Design president Don Kubly and his wife, Sally, in 1965.  

Self-taught architect Craig Ellwood designed the residence at 215 La Vereda Road in Pasadena, California, for Art Center College of Design president Don Kubly and his wife, Sally, in 1965.  

"Working in wood and glass, Ellwood rendered a transparent horizontal box and elevated it like a pavilion amidst the massive gum and oak trees," says the listing agent. 

"Working in wood and glass, Ellwood rendered a transparent horizontal box and elevated it like a pavilion amidst the massive gum and oak trees," says the listing agent. 

The post-and-beam dwelling is divided into three sections. The kitchen serves as the central core, separating the living areas from the private bedrooms. 

The post-and-beam dwelling is divided into three sections. The kitchen serves as the central core, separating the living areas from the private bedrooms. 

Sliding walls can open or close the kitchen to the dining room.

Sliding walls can open or close the kitchen to the dining room.

White-painted doors on either side of the fireplace conceal storage in the living room.

White-painted doors on either side of the fireplace conceal storage in the living room.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing connects the kitchen, living, and dining areas to the backyard.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing connects the kitchen, living, and dining areas to the backyard.

A wall-mounted shelving system in the office offers desk space for two people.

A wall-mounted shelving system in the office offers desk space for two people.

The wood-and-glass residence, dubbed the Kubly House, includes four bedrooms.

The wood-and-glass residence, dubbed the Kubly House, includes four bedrooms.

The home’s two bathrooms are located at the corners of the plan.

The home’s two bathrooms are located at the corners of the plan.

Full-height glass windows and doors let natural light flow into the home.

Full-height glass windows and doors let natural light flow into the home.

Although Ellwood preferred working with steel, the prominent Los Angeles modernist built the Kubly House using a wooden frame in order to meet budgetary requirements.

Although Ellwood preferred working with steel, the prominent Los Angeles modernist built the Kubly House using a wooden frame in order to meet budgetary requirements.

The rear of the home opens to a landscaped yard with a large swimming pool.

The rear of the home opens to a landscaped yard with a large swimming pool.

215 La Vereda Road in Pasadena, California, is listed for $3,000,000 by John Jacob Matthes of Crosby Doe Associates.

Sarah Buder
Culture Editor
Sarah Buder is Dwell’s Culture Editor. She focuses on stories at the intersection of architecture and design with entertainment, travel, identity, the internet, and more. She’s particularly pro-knickknacks.

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