CSH 22

Stahl House

Since graduating architecture school, I (Margolle) admittedly have failed to see some of the best examples of architecture right in my backyard, so I have made it a personal goal to visit more local sites to remind myself of some of the greatest architects and most inspiring buildings that exist. Jayme, the co-author of this blog, joined my mission with matched enthusiasm, and with the recommendation from our colleague, Maryam, we started with the Stahl House.

At the peak of mid-century modernism, the “Arts & Architecture would commission the nation’s best contemporary architects to reinvent the middle-class home and reimagine the entire American lifestyle…The end goal: affordable, well-designed prototypes that could be mass-produced nationwide.” Tucked away in the Los Angeles hills, this house, Case Study #22, has proven that despite a difficult site and a limited budget, both high design and comfortable living can be achieved.

Design Advocacy

Visiting the Stahl House reminded me (O’Hanlon) how important it is to advocate for your design. The city did not want to approve this plan because the plans showed an all-glass house on a cliff without a supportive foundation. To make their dream house a reality, it took an architect who “saw the possibilities” and wasn’t afraid of a challenge. This architect had to understand his client’s desires and remember the end goal during the design process, holding himself in range to overpower “the idea of building something egotistical.” This architect was Pierre Koenig.

After spending months persuading Los Angeles city planners to approve his drawings and material use, Koenig challenged the rejections and received city approval with a revised package after some compromising. Although difficult to find financing for such an unconventional project, Broadway Savings and Loan was just as daring as Koenig and the Stahl family, agreeing to fund the project under the condition of adding a pool and a two-car driveway to increase the site’s value. From there, John Entenza, designer, owner, and editor of the magazine Arts and Architecture, who was already familiar with Koenig’s previous architecture, offered to turn the Stahl House into a Case Study House. Photoshoots and discounted furniture prices were advantages that the Stahl’s benefited from as a result. The Stahl House development team consisted of people who were willing to push the limits and defend great design, which has stood the test of time.

Cultural Relevance

The Stahl House has served as a large influence on pop culture and art. It has hosted music videos, photoshoots, films, and commercials – You can even see the Stahl House replicated in episodes from The Simpsons and American Dad! It has also served as a huge inspiration for modernist paintings like David Hockney’s 1967 “A Bigger Splash.” It’s widely believed to be the most photographed home in the world, and I am so grateful that the Stahl’s have opened their home — not just to Hollywood, but to architectural enthusiasts who are passionate about design.

Learned Lessons

Examining how this case study house and the program provided a solution to a housing crisis throughout the 40s, 50s, and 60s, I (Margolle) immediately think about today’s market. I ponder how the situation is different, but more intriguingly, I think of how California’s housing needs are still similar to the Stahl’s.

Today, I look at who, whether it be architects, builders, or organizations, is pushing the limits on what attainable housing looks like. For the ­­­­Stahl family, it was a creative foundation, a well-timed housing program, and a daring architect! For us today, it might be efficient home design, creative negotiating with city jurisdictions, and advocacy at the state level. I wonder which home built in today’s age will be an iconic case study house 70 years from now that some eager friends and coworkers like us might one day visit.

To find out more about this case study house, others and the program itself, please visit these resources:

Arts & Architecture: Case Study House Program

Stahl, Bruce and Gronwald, Shari Stahl, and Cross, Kim. The Stahl House: Case Study House #22,

       The Making of an Modernist Icon. Chronicle Chroma, 2021.