In 1981, the acclaimed architect Harold J. Bissner Jr. designed and built his personal dwelling in South Pasadena, California. The site was particularly meaningful to Bissner Jr., who was born in the area in 1925. The distinguished Bissner House served as the late architect’s home for the last nearly four decades of his life. Now, the five-level residence—which is located less than 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles— is on the market.

To accommodate the sheer slope of the lot, Bissner Jr. designed the residence to rest upon 23 wood piers, which allowed the hillside to remain largely untouched during the construction. The 1981 home features a bold exterior with shed-style roofs, diagonal redwood siding, pipe chimneys, and angular glass windows. Its monochromatic and earth-toned facade evokes the popular modernist palette.

Inside the 3,870-square-foot residence, an open floor plan features an abundance of original architectural details, including cathedral ceilings and Saltillo tile floors. A floating staircase connects four of the home’s levels, while vintage light fixtures are peppered throughout the living spaces, which adds to the home’s time-capsule allure.

The Bissner House offers four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and several decks that allow for a seamless indoor/outdoor flow. While Bissner Jr. lived in the home, he executed two additional renovations. The architect added his own office space, as well as a Japanese-inspired penthouse sunroom with a covered deck, wood latticework, and kawara–style roof tiles.

Bissner Jr. (who spent years as an apprentice to his eponymous architect father) opened his own firm in 1951 and practiced until approximately 2010. His most notable residential projects include the 1970 Volcano House in Newberry Springs, California, as well as the 1954 Sechler House and 1966 Casa Azulejo House—both of which are sited nearby in Pasadena. Scroll ahead to see more of Bissner Jr.’s impressive former residence, which is currently listed for $1,935,000.

2018 Hanscom Drive in South Pasadena, California, is currently listed for $1,935,000 by Maureen Erbe, Henry Blackham, and Bonnie Matthews of Deasy Penner Podley.

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