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Collection by Caroline Wallis

A Glass Pavilion With Stunning Panoramic Views Tops This California Home

Hovering above its flat-roofed midcentury original, this transparent addition was designed for two renowned artists.

Albert and Frances Paley had approached Carmel-based architect John Thodos to create a “Zen” space for conversation and contemplation on the second level of their midcentury home. Between them, Albert is a world renowned metal sculptor and Frances a prolific fine artist. The challenge became highlighting sculptural elements without creating clutter, all while taking advantage of the amazing second-floor vistas. Working around some tough building codes, Thodos designed an expansive jewel-box pavilion atop the original residence with uninterrupted 360-degree views. The Paley House remodel and addition exemplifies the architect’s minimalist Mediterranean style, and was completed the same year the architect passed away. Dwell pays tribute to John Thodos, who received his FAIA Fellowship posthumously.

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Creating such a minimal, unadorned Miesian structure was a challenge on top of an existing home. Dyar explains that things like downspouts had to be tactfully concealed through the steel tube structure.
Creating such a minimal, unadorned Miesian structure was a challenge on top of an existing home. Dyar explains that things like downspouts had to be tactfully concealed through the steel tube structure.
Engineered white oak floors and a wide staircase up to the pavilion were the two primary changes to the downstairs. The dining room table is an original piece by Albert Paley.
Engineered white oak floors and a wide staircase up to the pavilion were the two primary changes to the downstairs. The dining room table is an original piece by Albert Paley.
Carmel’s 18-foot height restriction for the entire home dictated the height of the pavilion ceiling, which is vertical grain Douglas fir spaced boards.
Carmel’s 18-foot height restriction for the entire home dictated the height of the pavilion ceiling, which is vertical grain Douglas fir spaced boards.
The 20-foot-by-30-foot space encourages the residents to take in the panoramic views of the ocean, trees, and hills from these classic Le Corbusier chairs.
The 20-foot-by-30-foot space encourages the residents to take in the panoramic views of the ocean, trees, and hills from these classic Le Corbusier chairs.
In reference to the unembellished geometry of the addition, Dyar explains, “[Thodos] framed the pavilion in a steel structure in a subtle nod to the preferred medium of the client’s sculptural work. He resolved challenges of detailing and scale with an eye to enhancing the floating quality of the space, as experienced both by its occupants and passersby.”
In reference to the unembellished geometry of the addition, Dyar explains, “[Thodos] framed the pavilion in a steel structure in a subtle nod to the preferred medium of the client’s sculptural work. He resolved challenges of detailing and scale with an eye to enhancing the floating quality of the space, as experienced both by its occupants and passersby.”
A custom steel door opens on to the pavilion’s Ipe deck. The house’s proximity to the ocean means that the prevailing marine breezes usually succeed in keeping the upstairs cool.
A custom steel door opens on to the pavilion’s Ipe deck. The house’s proximity to the ocean means that the prevailing marine breezes usually succeed in keeping the upstairs cool.
The interior’s minimal furnishing helps reenforce visual connections with the outdoors while accommodating basic functions such as places of rest, entertainment, and contemplation. Here, a cluster of Le Corbusier sofas and chairs is arranged around another original Albert Paley coffee table.
The interior’s minimal furnishing helps reenforce visual connections with the outdoors while accommodating basic functions such as places of rest, entertainment, and contemplation. Here, a cluster of Le Corbusier sofas and chairs is arranged around another original Albert Paley coffee table.
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