Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Roberts House

Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Roberts House

Although the Robertses initially hired Richard Neutra to design them a ranch-style house, seemingly unaware of his portfolio of more modern designs, and expressed their dislike for flat roofs, ribbon windows, large windows, and standard eight-foot ceilings in his initial design sketches, the clients and architect were able to find suitable solutions for the house’s design. By raising the ceiling height to Robertses’ preferences and persuading them the to consider the advantages of large windows, Neutra revised the plans several times until all parties were satisfied. Atop a hilltop covered in eucalyptus trees and avocado groves, the house—a long rectangular box—is capped with a flat roof. The space is economically laid out and divided into three areas: the sleeping quarters, the public areas, and the kitchen. These different sections are delineated in the rear elevation through three different window designs and, projecting from the kitchen, five spider legs. The public areas feature a broad glassed entry and a double interior fireplace, while staff quarters are concealed in the northwest end of the house near the carport.

Adapted from Neutra – Complete Works by Barbara Lamprecht (Taschen, 2000), p. 294.