Tokio Hotel's Bill Kaulitz Revitalizes a Midcentury Hollywood Hills Residence
Nestled amidst the verdant Hollywood Hills, a remarkable midcentury dwelling, crafted in the early 1960s by the esteemed architect Lloyd Wright for actor Daniel De Jonghe, has been meticulously revitalized. This architectural masterpiece, reminiscent of Wright's father's iconic Taliesin West, now embodies a seamless blend of historical reverence and contemporary luxury. The recent refurbishment, spearheaded by Berlin-based designer Davide Rizzo and local architect Rob Michel, has not only preserved the home's intrinsic character but also infused it with new life, including a stunning new garden and pool, creating an open yet private sanctuary for its current owner, German musician Bill Kaulitz.
The property's allure immediately captivated Bill Kaulitz, the dynamic frontman of Tokio Hotel. He vividly recalls falling in love with the home's distinctive low-profile and its elegant driveway, which gracefully carves into the landscape. Initially renting the property with his twin brother, Tom, Kaulitz eventually purchased the house in 2019, seeking refuge from the relentless European spotlight. For him, Los Angeles offered a unique sense of liberation, a stark contrast to his past, where privacy was a constant struggle.
A serendipitous plumbing incident, involving a week-long gush of water, inadvertently accelerated the renovation process. Kaulitz, alongside Rizzo and Michel, embarked on a comprehensive update of the interiors. Their vision extended to transforming the forecourt into a vibrant, meticulously landscaped oasis. Rob Michel, an authority in midcentury preservation, meticulously managed the complex undertaking, which involved the coordination of approximately 100 specialists. He emphasized that their role was not to redefine the architecture but to enhance and prepare it for future generations, a sentiment strongly echoed by Kaulitz.
The restoration team, which also included garden designer AJ Canfield, delved deep into Wright's original blueprints, comparing them with subsequent modifications made by architect John Powell, who acquired the property in 1994. Powell's earlier renovations had reimagined the kitchen and bathrooms and seamlessly integrated the den with the main living area. Throughout the latest interventions, both inside and out, a steadfast commitment to Wright's original material palette was maintained. Scenic artist Stosh Fila masterfully restored the home's extensive interior and exterior woodwork, encompassing the paneling, tongue-and-groove ceilings, and custom cabinetry. Michel collaborated with artisan James Thomas to craft a new stained-glass window, a respectful homage to Wright's signature style rather than a direct replication. The driveway, which once led to a rear motor court, now gracefully transitions into a flourishing garden adorned with indigenous Southern California flora, interspersed with compatible species from Latin America and Australia. A newly installed flagstone-clad pool and elevated spa seamlessly blend into the surroundings, giving the impression of having always been there. Michel recounted the extensive construction, noting that it required numerous trucks and periodic road closures, a testament to the scale of the project.
The interior design, however, intentionally diverges from the organic architecture's strict ethos. Designer Rizzo aimed for an atmosphere of grandeur and glamour, rather than a mere continuation of traditional midcentury aesthetics. He curated a diverse collection of furnishings, including vintage Carlo Scarpa lighting, an India Mahdavi dining table, an Eero Aarnio Bubble chair, and distinctive gold swan-shaped faucets, inspired by those Kaulitz admired at the Ritz Paris hotel. For the musician, residing in a glass-walled residence represents a liberating departure from the confined hotel rooms of his youth. He expressed a desire to create an environment that feels simultaneously open and secluded. In Los Angeles, he finds a sense of tranquility and freedom, a stark contrast to his often-hectic life in Germany. He cherishes the unpredictable nature of his days, often drifting asleep with his French bulldog, Alfia, on the sectional or unwinding in the Jacuzzi with the iconic Hollywood sign in the distance, embracing a life free from routine.