The Sheats–Goldstein residence holds a special place in the architectural scene of LA for its innovative design and breathtaking site. Nestled in the hills of Los Angeles, the home stands as a testament to the genius of architectural design. Originally constructed for Helen and Paul Sheats and later acquired by businessman James Goldstein in 1972, the home showcases a unique blend of John Lautner's visionary design and the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright. A recent visit left me inspired, offering a glimpse into the architectural masterpiece and the ongoing efforts to preserve and renovate it in line with Lautner's vision.
The Frank Lloyd Wright influence
Frank Lloyd Wright's design approach, known as "organic architecture", diverges from the traditional definition. While traditional organic architecture often refers to structures that mimic natural forms and shapes found in nature, Wright aimed to incorporate a deeper connection between the built environment and its surroundings. For him, organic architecture involved harmonizing the design with its context, considering the site, landscape, and human habitation as integral components. It goes beyond mere mimicry of natural forms, emphasizing a seamless integration with the environment and reflecting an interconnected relationship between the structure and its surroundings. Wright's designs often featured open floor plans, horizontal lines, flat or low-pitched roofs, natural materials, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. His philosophy aimed to create spaces that enhance the well-being of their inhabitants while showcasing the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
What intrigued me about The Sheats-Goldstein residence was that it had a rich history that has unfolded throughout time. The home has witnessed decades of architectural evolution, preserving its essence while embracing the spirit of the contemporary. Designed by John Lautner, an apprentice at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin Fellowship in the mid-1930s, the influence is unmistakable.
Architectural evolution
It is clear that Lautner absorbed the principles of organic architecture and the integration with nature from Frank Lloyd Wright, applying it to the Sheats-Goldstein residence. The echoes of Wright's influence on the open spaces, horizontal lines, and connection between the built environment and its surroundings is evident throughout the home. Lautner used an array of materials, including concrete, glass, and native stone to craft innovative features and facilitate seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. The Sheats-Goldstein residence is a blend of structure and space, an extension of the natural environment with one of the most notable features being the sloping triangulated concrete roof that culminates at a ridge, directing your eye out to the view over the city of Los Angeles.
The influence extends beyond just the aesthetics, as Lautner believed that one's home shouldn't restrict them in any way but give them adequate space to live while improving their everyday lives. He wanted his homes to grow and evolve alongside the people he was designing for, making them personal and practical.
A consistent language
Frank Lloyd Wright's inclination to design not only the architecture but also the furniture, rugs, lighting, and other elements within his homes was rooted in his holistic vision of what he considered to be organic architecture. Lautner followed a similar approach as he believed in the seamless integration of all elements within a space to ensure harmony and unity. By designing everything, he could control the entire aesthetic experience, from the macro-level architecture down to the smallest details.
The Sheats-Goldstein residence maintains a cohesive design language, enabling tailored furnishings that align with the architectural context. The layout of furniture is purposefully arranged and thoughtfully considered to harmonize with the architecture and maximize the use of space. The open floor plan allows for fluidity between rooms, and the furniture placement is strategically arranged to enhance the flow both within indoor spaces and to the outdoors. The furniture in the Sheats-Goldstein Residence is predominantly made from leather, steel, and glass, mirroring the home's modern design with clean lines and geometric shapes.
Nature within the home
Moving deeper into the home from the main living space, an impressive amount of light is maintained through expansive glass, the orientation of the home, and the configuration of the open floor plan. After James Goldstein acquired the house, he continued to collaborate with Lautner, gradually implementing renovations in stages to allow for the continued occupancy of the house. After Lautner died in 1994, James Goldstein worked alongside various architects to renovate and update the home according to what Lautner's vision would have been. One of the additions was the koi pond, stepping stones, and waterfall that came with part of the 1980's renovation.
Large stone steps over the pond connect the main living space to the kitchen, offering a transition immersed in nature. The pond serves as more than just a body of water or a unique feature of the house; it is a direct connection between the interior and the exterior environment; a design choice that reflects Lautner's commitment to creating fluid transitions between the spaces.
As you walk across the steps, you can hear the sound of the water and the outdoor space feels cooler in the midst of the otherwise warm outdoor environment. The pond, greenery, water features, and surrounding landscapes introduce natural cooling elements, while their integration along with koi fish and moving water, adds life and motion to the home.
The dining room and various alterations
As mentioned earlier, the home underwent several changes over time. Originally the ceilings were made of stucco, which were then replaced with redwood. Skylights in the kitchen, dining room, and guest bathroom were adapted to fully open to the sky. Steel mullions gave way to frameless glass during the renovations as well. What is now a very beautiful kitchen, underwent quite a bit of remodeling, featuring the addition of wet-sanded concrete countertops, a glass dining table, stainless steel cabinets, and bubinga (an African hardwood) millwork.
The concrete and stainless steel furniture was later incorporated into the living room, adding a modern touch to the space.
The master bedroom
As you walk through the home, your eyes are naturally being drawn to the outside. The master bedroom is an example of this. Set against the Los Angeles skyline, the floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedroom directly connect you to the city and the outdoors.
The iconic view of the triangular day bed facing the outdoors caught my attention right away. It serves as a testament to Lautner's commitment to innovation and application of geometric forms in his work. Specifically designed to follow the shape of the room, the tip of the triangular bed aligns with the tip of the floor slab (this alignment is also replicated in the design of the side tables). Standing on the edge of the floor slab, with the glass walls gently sliding apart, one feels surprisingly safe, despite being on a ledge overlooking the city. Furniture and spaces like the master bedroom showcase Lautner's attention to detail and highlights his emphasis on creating elements that fit and uniquely belong to a particular space.
Expanding the residence
Every bedroom in the home is intentionally designed to maximize natural light by providing an abundance of floor to ceiling windows. The remaining bedrooms in the house are positioned along an "outdoor hallway" decorated with carefully selected plantings and vegetation. Once again aiming to make a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, you can look across to the tropical greenery planted on the surrounding hills and see a glimpse of Club James across the property.
John Lautner's designs were not originally meant to be luxurious, but instead, were meant to be works of art. His Sheats-Goldstein residence only spans about 5,000 square-feet. After acquiring the property, James Goldstein secured permission to demolish the home on the adjacent property, proceeding to build his own residence—Club James—an expansive 11,000 square-foot space. It is essentially a massive entertainment venue with a pool, a private club, a tennis court and there is even a James Turrell skyspace art installation on the property (one of only 15 private exhibitions in the world). In my opinion, James's approach to development aligns with John Lautner's vision through thoughtful curation.
Club James
Club James was conceived and built by James Goldstein as an extension of his vision for a holistic and luxurious living experience. It is situated slightly lower on the hill, but the views out towards the city skyline still remain exceptional.
Designed by Duncan Nicholson in collaboration with Goldstein and inspired by the modernist principles of the original residence by John Lautner, Club James is also integrated into the hillside, nestled within its natural surroundings. The architectural style maintains a modern aesthetic featuring clean lines, expansive glass elements, an open layout and built-in furniture. The intention behind Club James was to provide an extravagant space for entertainment, relaxation, and appreciation of art and design.
Embracing the minimalist aesthetic
The club's design features a prominent use of concrete, embracing both a minimalist and brutalist aesthetic with a touch of sophistication. The concrete surfaces create an industrial yet refined atmosphere, with light that dances off the textured finishes, adding depth and detail to the space. The geometric forms found in the seating, tables, and large windows, along with the tiny lights integrated into the ceiling, pay homage to Lautner's distinctive design approach found in the main living space of the Sheats Residence. Overall, I loved this space, it was beautiful, simple yet sleek, and uncluttered.
Beyond the club
The last part of the property that I walked through was the administrative side of the home; the heart and soul for organizing and planning everything related to the house and James Goldstein. The offices are strategically positioned to overlook the 85 foot infinity-edge pool and the entertainment terrace and lawn below—what a beautiful and immersive work environment! The offices are flooded with natural light, and the floor-to-ceiling glass extends beyond the edge of the floor slab, creating an expansive effect that visually enlarges the space.
The entertainment terrace
The outdoor area of Club James is a blend of modern design and luxurious amenities. The exterior mirrors the interior club space, showcasing a cohesive design language evident in the outdoor bar area, seating, and tables. Massive spans of cantilevered concrete make up the tables, seating and even the stair case. Strategically positioned and custom-made, these pieces of furniture are permanently fixed, minimizing potential clutter commonly associated with movable furniture.
An appreciation for design nuances
Noteworthy details in the outdoor design include the exterior staircase and a huge cantilevered outdoor dining table positioned beneath the overhang of the club. If you look closely, you can see that the stairs are independent of the floor above, resembling a sculpture of its own.
A similar clever design approach can be found at the outdoor dining table, where a table spanning approximately 20-30 feet is supported by a mere couple of feet at its center. The cantilevered sides of the table extend much farther than you would expect. It becomes apparent that the weight of the table is distributed more evenly than initially perceived. The edges of the table thin out, while progressively thickening towards the center, a thoughtful design nuance.
Reflection
The charm of the home goes beyond its overall form and expression, unveiling its true beauty in the attention to detail subtly woven into the design. The Sheats–Goldstein residence is a living tribute to the principles of Frank Lloyd Wright and John Lautner, showcasing the enduring impact of their innovative approaches and the timeless concepts of organic architecture. In a way, Lautner's spaces cultivate a feeling of freedom and playfulness. The home embodies a distinct, yet less rigid interpretation of modernism that harmonizes with the natural surroundings instead of conforming to rigid linear plans. It is very much worth noting that James Goldstein's commitment to maintaining and preserving the home has played a crucial role in ensuring that Lautner's vision lives on.
Visiting the home reminded me of the profound influence of design on our experiences and how it can provoke our sense of wonder. It's a reminder that great architecture transcends time, leaving a lasting mark on those fortunate to experience it and inspiring future generations of architects, designers and everyday individuals.
