Welcome back to #ModernistMondays! At TTC, we are constantly inspired by modernist architects and artists from past and present. To showcase some of our favorites, we launched #ModernistMondays, where we highlight one modernist each month to explore with quick, interesting facts. In 2023, we are also weaving in #ModernistMonday features on specific architectural masterpieces along with profiles of celebrated designers. This month’s focus is architect John Lautner’s Sheats-Goldstein Residence in Beverly Hills.
You can learn more about John Lautner HERE.
The Sheats-Goldstein residence by esteemed architect John Lautner is a private home in Beverly Hills, California, commissioned by Helen and Paul Sheats. Paul, who was a university professor, had previously commissioned Lautner’s Sheats Apartments project outside of Los Angeles, and admired his work.
Considered a work of Organic Architecture, the “cave-like” house was built as an extension of the plot’s natural surroundings, rather than an imposition on an area unfit to host it. In that way the home becomes part of the natural environment. The initial iteration of the home was primarily constructed using concrete, steel, and wood.
After the Sheats family sold the home and others moved in, the home began to show signs of wear. In 1972, businessman James Goldstein purchased the house and hired Lautner to return to the project. From 1972 to 1994, Lautner and Goldstein worked on perfecting the home, with the addition of a rooftop skylight installation by famed light-and-space artist James Turell.
The recognizable home, as with other Lautner projects, has been featured in films including “Charlie’s Angels” and “The Big Lebowski,” as well as music videos by Doja Cat and Nelly. In 2016, the LACMA announced that owner James Goldstein entrusted the museum with the upkeep and preservation of the home, its art, and original Lautner architectural drawings and models.
SOURCES
“Sheats Goldstein Residence,” Architectuul; “A Look Inside LA’s Famous Sheats-Goldstein Mansion,” Forbes.com; “Sheats–Goldstein Residence,” Wikipedia