Richard Neutra (1892 – 1970)
Pioneer of the International Style
Born and educated in Europe, Richard Neutra introduced the International Style to America, and also introduced Los Angeles design to Europe. His firm designed many office buildings, churches, and cultural centers, but Richard Neutra is best known for his residential architecture.
Homes designed by Richard Neutra combined Bauhaus modernism with Southern California building traditions, creating a unique adaptation that became known as Desert Modernism. Neutra’s houses were dramatic, flat-surfaced industrialized-looking buildings placed into a carefully arranged landscape. Constructed with steel, glass, and reinforced concrete, they were typically finished in stucco.
The Lovell House (1927-1929) created a sensation in architectural circles in both Europe and America. Stylistically, his early work was similar to the work of Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe in Europe.
Later in his career, Richard Neutra designed a series of elegant pavilion-style homes composed of layered horizontal planes. With extensive porches and patios, the homes appeared to merge with the surrounding landscape. The Kaufmann Desert House (1946-1947) and the Tremaine House (1947-48) are important examples of Neutra’s pavilion houses.
Significant work:
1927: Lovell House, Los Angeles, CA
1934: Anna Stern House, CA
1937: Miller House, Palm Springs, CA
1946: Kaufmann Desert House, Palm Springs, CA
1947: Tremaine House, Santa Barbara, CA
