SoCal organic: revisiting John Lautner's most iconic houses

Beyer Residence
Beyer Residence, Malibu (1975)
(Image credit: TBC)

Recent news that John Lautner's Sheats Goldstein house was bequeathed to LACMA delighted architecture lovers and fans of the Coen brothers alike (the house gained broad exposure when used as a backdrop for The Big Lebowski.)

Mentored by Frank Lloyd Wright, Lautner was loyal to principles of Organic Architecture throughout his career. He distinguished himself from Wright with cinematic designs that captured the ethos of Southern Californian Modernism. However, he never stopped being nostalgic for his native Michigan.

Above, we revisit some of Lautner’s most iconic designs.

sofa and chair with white cushions

(Image credit: TBC)

river side residency


(Image credit: TBC)

Chemosphere

Chemosphere, LA (1960)

(Image credit: TBC)

Chemos Build

(Image credit: TBC)

seating area with colourful sofa

(Image credit: TBC)

Elrod House

Elrod House, Palm Springs (1968)

(Image credit: TBC)

Palm Springs

Elrod House, Palm Springs (1968)

(Image credit: TBC)

Garcia Residence

Garcia Residence, LA (1962)

(Image credit: TBC)

Casa Marbrisa

Casa Marbrisa, Acapulco Guerrero (1973)

(Image credit: TBC)

Acapulco Guerrero

(Image credit: TBC)

Pearlman Cabin

Pearlman Cabin, Idyllewild (1957)

(Image credit: TBC)

Idyllwild

Pearlman Cabin, Idyllewild (1957)

(Image credit: TBC)

Turner House

Turner House, Marina Del Rey (1981)

(Image credit: TBC)

Walstrom Residence

Walstrom Residence, LA, (1969)

(Image credit: press)

Walstrom Residence bookcase

Walstrom Residence, LA, (1969)

(Image credit: TBC)

Walstrom Residence seating area

Walstrom Residence, LA, (1969)

(Image credit: TBC)

brown leather sofa

Sheats Goldstein residence (1963)

(Image credit: Jeff Green)

Sheats Goldstein residence


(Image credit: Jeff Green)

parking area

(Image credit: Jeff Green)