A Unique Haven of Modern Design: The Strathmore Apartments
Explore a writer's residence, designed by architect Richard Neutra, located in Los Angeles
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the Strathmore Apartments stand as a testament to mid-century modern architecture. Designed by the renowned modernist architect Richard Neutra in 1937, these apartments represent a unique blend of modern design and a bungalow court layout[1].
The Strathmore Apartments update the local typology of the bungalow court and respect the topography and the privacy of the residents while promoting sociability. Grouped around a jungly courtyard, the apartments are inspired by the stepped profile of the Taos Pueblo[2].
The current owner of one such apartment has spared no expense in curating a collection of architectural masterpieces within its walls. Over the years, the owner has commissioned pieces from friends, including a cantilevered bedroom chest from architect Lorcan O'Herlihy, a steel-clad kitchen door from metalsmith Tom Farrage, and Rudolph Schindleresque furniture from designer Michael Boyd[3].
The apartment's design echoes the scheme that Neutra devised for the apartment's first occupant, the Oscar-winning actress Luise Rainer. Built-in shelves and Levolor blinds can still be found, paying homage to the past while seamlessly integrating with the contemporary additions[4].
The apartment's interior is a veritable treasure trove of design icons. Philippe Starck dining chairs, a truncated oval of glass atop the steel base of a Le Corbusier airplane tube table, and paper lamps by Ingo Maurer are just a few of the many highlights[5]. A hand-carved forcola from Venice and an Australian Aboriginal painting add an exotic touch to the space[6].
Among the apartment's most irreplaceable items are a drawing by the late Zaha Hadid, a competition entry inspired by Russian constructivism, and a pencil sketch by Chuck Jones of Bugs Bunny as Brünnhilde from the Warner Bros cartoon What's Opera, Doc?[7]. The apartment also boasts black and white photos by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Sebastião Salgado, and Michael Kenna[8].
The Strathmore Apartments have come a long way since initially startling locals. Now, they are recognised as a significant part of Los Angeles' architectural history, having been placed on the National Register of Historic Places[9]. Despite their historic status, these apartments continue to inspire and captivate, standing as a shining example of mid-century modern design.
[1] https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/richard-neutra-strathmore-apartments-los-angeles [2] https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/richard-neutra-strathmore-apartments-los-angeles [3] https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/richard-neutra-strathmore-apartments-los-angeles [4] https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/richard-neutra-strathmore-apartments-los-angeles [5] https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/richard-neutra-strathmore-apartments-los-angeles [6] https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/richard-neutra-strathmore-apartments-los-angeles [7] https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/richard-neutra-strathmore-apartments-los-angeles [8] https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/richard-neutra-strathmore-apartments-los-angeles [9] https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/richard-neutra-strathmore-apartments-los-angeles
The Strathmore Apartments, a testament to mid-century modern architecture in Los Angeles, showcase a unique blend of interior design and lifestyle, reflecting the owner's curated collection of architectural masterpieces within its home-and-garden setting. With Philippe Starck dining chairs, paper lamps by Ingo Maurer, and design icons scattered throughout the apartment, this living space echoes a contemporary take on the apartments' original modern design by Richard Neutra.
