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Collection by Allie Weiss
Editor’s Pick

House in the Los Angeles Hills Inspired by California Modernists

When Gary Johns discovered a nondescript, Mediterranean-style home in Los Angeles in 1987, he loved its large lot—nearly an acre—and views of the city. Johns bought it and set on rebuilding the house in the style of California modernists such as Richard Neutra and Rudolf Schindler. A few years later, Johns considered adding additional accommodations to the property and consulted famed California architect John Lautner, who drew a complete set of plans that were never realized. The home is now on the market. Click through the slideshow for a look at the space and Lautner's drawings for the site.

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Other than maintaing the original footprint, Johns completely transformed the residence, increasing the height of the rooms and adding a family room and 2,200 square feet of deck space. Johns aimed to use materials that would age well—the structure was built with cement stucco and poured-in-place concrete, and features double-glazed aluminum windows and doors.
Other than maintaing the original footprint, Johns completely transformed the residence, increasing the height of the rooms and adding a family room and 2,200 square feet of deck space. Johns aimed to use materials that would age well—the structure was built with cement stucco and poured-in-place concrete, and features double-glazed aluminum windows and doors.
The interior walls and ceilings are plaster, and all the floors are solid maple.
The interior walls and ceilings are plaster, and all the floors are solid maple.
Johns says his design was largely influenced by Richard Neutra’s Lovell House, built in 1929 in Los Angeles.
Johns says his design was largely influenced by Richard Neutra’s Lovell House, built in 1929 in Los Angeles.
The 3,720-square-foot-home features stretches of birdseye maple built-ins.
The 3,720-square-foot-home features stretches of birdseye maple built-ins.
Legendary California architect John Lautner drew a complete set of plans for an additional studio, maid's quarters, changing room, and pool, that were never realized.
Legendary California architect John Lautner drew a complete set of plans for an additional studio, maid's quarters, changing room, and pool, that were never realized.