A Home For Icons – Sheats-Goldstein Residence by John Lautner and James Goldstein

Overlooking the city of Los Angeles, Sheats-Goldstein Residence by John Lautner and James Goldstein is a home that expresses the fun and unique characteristics of its owner. Built and designed to be a reflection of James’s life and experiences, the residence asserts a dominance over Beverly Crest with its frameless glass walls, angular corners and hidden moments of wonder.

After acquiring the residence in 1972, James sought the help of John Lautner to assist with returning the structure’s lost character and memorable architectural features. Hired for re-modelling purposes, John gave the home, which he had originally built between 1961 and 1963, the dramatic improvement it desperately needed. After John’s passing and having resided in the house for 45 years, James has continued to work on the property with respect and honour to the late architect’s original designs.

Hired for re-modelling purposes, John gave the home, which he had originally built between 1961 and 1963, the dramatic improvement it desperately needed.

Opposed to building anything that resembled a box, John Lautner designed the home with angular walls, built-in furniture and an open plan floor space. Wanting the house to feel outwardly connected with no separation between inside and out, John and James have used concrete and glass. Comprising the floors and walls, concrete became the main material employed, whilst all the carpets installed have been designed to look like small stones. Additionally, the frameless glass wall in the living room supports the uniting of the two spaces. Rewarded with views across Los Angeles, the home is embraced by creeping vines that crawl over the walls, and tropical vegetation complements the structure’s exterior.

Spanning across over 1.5 hectares of hillside, the property is saturated with thick foliage and vegetation that hold walkways, ponds and hidden grassed spaces that become a crucial part of the home’s external characteristics. Additionally, the distinct character of Sheats-Goldstein Residence is further emphasised with a one-of-a-kind James Turrel skyscraper. Named Above Horizon due to its position on the hillside, the skyscraper has been built into the slope just below the main building. Designed with two windows that open to reveal glimpses of the sky, the volume also has a built-in lounge that allows for one to lay back and watch the thousands of hidden LEDs. Completed after John’s passing, the skyscraper, terrace, office space and Club James ­– the nightclub underneath the house – were all done by James with a deep understanding and respect for John’s original design.

Rewarded with views across Los Angeles, the home is embraced by creeping vines that crawl over the walls, and tropical vegetation complements the structure’s exterior.

Extremely proud of the finished result, James’s passion for the house to endure after he is gone remains evident through each chosen material and design element. After entrusting the property to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 2016, James has shared a one-of-a-kind residence that encourages the future generation of architects and designers to challenge the conservative beliefs of architecture.