The Schindler House, also known as the Kings Road House, pioneered modernist architecture in the early days. Designed by Rudolf Schindler in 1921 and completed in 1922, this structure in West Hollywood, California, broke new ground with its innovative use of materials and radical departure from traditional residential design. Today, it serves as a historical landmark and the vibrant headquarters of the MAK Center for Art and Architecture.
The Schindler House Technical Information
- Architects: Rudolf Schindler
- Location: 835 North Kings Road, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Topics: Modernism
- Site Area: 1 acre
- Project Year: 1921 – 1922
- Photographs: Courtesy of MAK Center for Art and Architecture
I wanted to create a house that was a fitting temple for the spirit, a vessel to contain the overflowing joy of life.
– Rudolf Schindler 1-3
The Schindler House Photographs
Architectural Vision and Influences
Rudolf Schindler’s architectural narrative began in Vienna, where he was deeply influenced by the Secessionist movement and the works of architects like Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos. His move to the United States in 1914 marked the beginning of a transformative journey. After joining Frank Lloyd Wright’s practice, Schindler was exposed to the organic architecture principles that would shape his future works. His time at Wright’s Taliesin further deepened his appreciation for a harmonious relationship between buildings and their natural surroundings. In 1919, Schindler married Sophie Pauline Gibling, a music teacher and political activist who shared his aversion to conventional societal norms. Their partnership was rooted in a mutual desire to redefine living spaces in tune with modern sensibilities.
Collaborative Design and Innovative Construction
The design of the Schindler House emerged from a collaborative vision with the Chace family, aiming to create a communal living space that reflected the progressive ideals of its inhabitants. Schindler was mainly influenced by the work of Irving Gill, especially his pioneering use of tilt-slab concrete construction. This method, which involved pouring concrete into molds and tilting them into place, was adapted by Schindler in a more flexible and modular approach. He used four-foot-long units that could be maneuvered by hand, eliminating the need for heavy machinery. This innovation streamlined the construction process and allowed for a unique expression of form and space. The house’s layout, with its individual studios for each adult and shared communal areas, embodied a radical departure from the single-family home model, offering instead a space where personal expression and collective living could coexist seamlessly.
Architectural Details and Design Evolution
The Schindler House project encountered significant challenges, particularly with the tilt-slab construction method. Initially, some concrete slabs refused to tilt into place, a problem Schindler addressed by improvising with wedges to adjust the slabs. The scarcity of skilled labor also posed a hurdle, as carpenters hesitated to work with such unconventional techniques. Despite these obstacles, Schindler’s dedication and ingenuity shone through. He modified and improved upon Irving Gill’s method by creating smaller, manageable slabs that could be manipulated without heavy machinery, facilitating a more flexible and creative construction process.
Unique Architectural Features
The Schindler House is renowned for its pinwheel design, where the house is organized around a central axis with distinct wings extending outward. This layout created individual studios for each resident, fostering a sense of privacy while promoting communal living in shared spaces like the kitchen and gardens. The integration of indoor and outdoor spaces was another hallmark of the design, with large glass windows and doors blurring the boundaries between inside and outside. The construction’s use of redwood beams, nonstructural lumber, glass, and canvas contributed to a sense of openness and lightness. The transparency of materials and the strategic placement of slabs allowed natural light to permeate the interiors, creating an ever-changing play of light and shadow that echoed the dynamic lifestyles of its inhabitants.
The House as a Cultural and Social Catalyst
The Schindler House was a residence and a laboratory for architectural experimentation. In the vibrant atmosphere of Southern California in the 1920s, Schindler, often collaborating with his one-time partner Richard Neutra, crafted a series of works that are celebrated today for their vitality and innovation. These include the Lovell Beach House, the Jardinette Apartments, and Pueblo Ribera Court. The house itself served as a proving ground for these ideas, influencing the development of modernist architecture in the region and beyond.
Cultural and Intellectual Gatherings
Beyond its architectural significance, the Schindler House became a nexus for cultural and intellectual life in Los Angeles. In the 1920s and 1930s, it was known for its open, welcoming atmosphere, attracting diverse guests, including artists, poets, dancers, and thinkers. Frank Lloyd Wright, Edward Weston, John Cage, and many others found a haven here, contributing to lively discussions and exchanges that enriched the cultural landscape of the city. Despite the strains in her marriage, Pauline Schindler was instrumental in establishing the house as a center for avant-garde thought and progressive politics, turning it into a salon amid Hollywood’s then-emerging cultural scene.
The Schindler House Plans
The Schindler House Image Gallery
About Rudolf Schindler
Rudolf Michael Schindler (1887–1953) was an Austrian-born architect pivotal in modern architecture’s evolution in Southern California. Educated at Vienna’s Imperial and Royal Polytechnic Institute, Schindler was influenced by the Secessionist movement and architects like Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos. He moved to the United States in 1914, working with Frank Lloyd Wright and absorbing the principles of organic architecture. In 1920, Schindler settled in Los Angeles, developing a unique style that blended European modernism with Californian materials and lifestyle. Though often overshadowed during his lifetime, Schindler’s legacy as a modernist pioneer has grown, reflecting his philosophy of creating spaces that cater to human experience and spirit.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Schindler House by Kathryn Smith.
- Architecture of the Sun: Los Angeles Modernism, 1900-1970 by Thomas S. Hines
California Modern: The Architecture of Craig Ellwood by Neil Jackson.
Rudolf Schindler’s architectural masterpiece embodies timeless elegance in Los Angeles. A true marvel of modern design and innovation.