Architectural Cases

Conner & Perry Architects have masterfully revitalized John Lautner's historic hillside residence, ensuring its modernist integrity endures while integrating contemporary enhancements. The renovation thoughtfully addresses both the structural and aesthetic elements, from the distinctive cylindrical stone turrets that punctuate the exterior to the intricately detailed interior spaces. This project exemplifies a delicate balance between modernization and the preservation of a significant architectural legacy in Los Angeles.

The comprehensive overhaul included meticulous attention to the home's unique timber roof structure and bespoke interior finishes. Essential systems were discreetly updated to meet modern efficiency standards, showcasing a commitment to both performance and aesthetic fidelity. Furthermore, the surrounding landscape was reconfigured to complement the architecture, reinforcing the harmonious relationship between the structure and its natural, rugged terrain. These interventions collectively breathe new life into Lautner's vision, demonstrating how historical architecture can evolve without losing its soul.

Preserving Originality While Embracing Modernity

Conner & Perry Architects undertook the renovation of John Lautner's acclaimed hillside property in Los Angeles with a primary goal of enhancing functionality and structural integrity while strictly adhering to the initial design philosophy. Built in the early 1980s, the residence is distinguished by its cylindrical stone elements, which serve both as architectural features and programmatic spaces, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and circulation areas. These turrets create a rhythm of projecting terraces that offer panoramic views of the canyon. The refurbishment carefully integrated modern building performance upgrades, ensuring that new additions like improved insulation and weather protection respected the original architectural lines and forms. This meticulous approach allowed for essential improvements without compromising the aesthetic and conceptual foundations laid by Lautner.

The exterior's iconic stone cylinders were maintained, preserving the home's defining characteristic. Between these cylinders, terraces extend outwards, strategically positioned to frame the breathtaking Los Angeles landscape at regular intervals. This thoughtful design ensures that the interplay of mass and void continues to define the residential experience. The architects' commitment extended to the details, ensuring that all new materials and structural reinforcements blended seamlessly with the existing elements. For instance, the use of copper caps on exterior beams was a deliberate choice, anticipating a natural patination that would harmonize with the aged stone and timber, thereby maintaining the original aesthetic intent and enhancing the building's dialogue with its environment over time.

Refined Interiors and Integrated Landscape Elements

Inside Lautner's Castle, the renovation by Conner & Perry Architects focused on rejuvenating the internal spaces and improving functionality without disrupting the established design language. The curving hallway, defined by its ribbed timber ceiling, was carefully restored, with the aging roof assembly being replaced to boost insulation and weather resistance. This process revealed the original nautical-like precision of the timber construction, which was then meticulously rebuilt to its former glory. Original Douglas fir panels were stripped and refinished, enhancing their inherent beauty and texture, while subtle additions like suspended wood veneer fins in the living area added an element of refined illumination.

The kitchen, a central hub, retained its massive stone slab island and intricate detailing, with technical upgrades for ventilation being cleverly concealed to maintain clear sightlines. In the primary suite, custom furniture was introduced to complement the vertical grain paneling, and the bathroom underwent a more significant transformation. A new Corian soaking tub was integrated into a hardwood deck, providing canyon views, while the cylindrical stone shower with its circular skylight continued to serve as a focal point, emphasizing light and texture. Beyond the interior, the landscape was extensively redesigned. A new deck was carved beneath the pool, revealing the cantilevered structure and creating an outdoor living space with built-in seating and a stone fire pit. A cactus garden at the entry and planted walkways along the hillside further reinforced the architectural narrative, strengthening the connection between the structure and its dramatic natural setting.

Love Hulten has unveiled a custom-crafted wooden music cabinet, a contemporary homage to the iconic 1970s Rosita Commander Luxus. This unique audio system is designed to play vinyl records vertically and accommodate cassette tapes without covers, embodying a fusion of vintage charm and modern functionality. Commissioned by a discerning client, the piece revives the spirit of high-quality stereo furniture while integrating innovative features for today's audiophiles.

The cabinet features a warm, inviting wooden exterior complemented by a sleek metal front panel. This combination creates a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary design elements. The turntable, positioned vertically on the upper section, is paired with a delicate tonearm. The light gray metal surrounding the record player evokes a sense of retro-futurism, while clearly labeled knobs for high, mid, and low sound control are conveniently placed near the integrated speakers.

Beneath the record player, a dedicated section houses cassette tapes, arranged vertically to mirror the turntable's orientation. A central cassette deck allows for easy tape insertion and playback, controlled by distinct red, green, blue, and gray buttons. These color-coded controls enhance user experience, making recording functions intuitive. The vertical storage design also ensures that tape labels and titles are easily visible.

Adding to its practicality, Hulten's design includes a 'secret' storage compartment for vinyl records. This hidden feature, accessible via a lift system at the top of the unit, can securely hold 10 to 12 records, protecting them from dust and damage. The overall aesthetic pays tribute to 1970s home stereo systems, which were often considered significant furniture pieces rather than mere electronic devices. Hulten's creation honors this legacy, offering a fresh perspective on timeless design principles.

This unique music cabinet exemplifies the potential of blending historical design influences with contemporary engineering. By reinterpreting the Rosita Commander Luxus, Love Hulten has created a piece that is not only a functional audio system but also a striking example of modern craftsmanship and nostalgic elegance. The design successfully marries the aesthetic appeal of a bygone era with the convenience and innovation of current technology, appealing to those who appreciate both form and function in their home entertainment systems.