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Wednesday, January 29, 2025

DESIGN / NEUTRA IN FLAMES

 

TOTAL LOSS. Hees House by modernist architect Richard Neutra was
destroyed in the LA area wildfires in January 2025.

Two houses designed by renowned modernist architect Richard Neutra—known as the Hees House (top) and the Kesler House—have tragically been destroyed by the Pacific Palisades Fire, the most catastrophic of the wildfires that have devastated communities across Los Angeles in recent weeks. 

The Hees House. Built in 1950 for John Hees, a successful Los Angeles-based attorney, this residence was a quintessential example of Neutra’s approach to harmonizing indoor and outdoor spaces. The Hees House featured Neutra's signature floor-to-ceiling glass walls, designed to maximize natural light and integrate the serene landscape of the Pacific Palisades into the living experience. Hees, a patron of modernist architecture, sought Neutra specifically for his innovative ability to create functional yet aesthetically groundbreaking homes. 


The Kesler House (left) completed in 1953 for the Kesler family, this home embodied Neutra’s focus on simplicity and balance. The Keslers, a couple passionate about modern design, wanted a family-friendly home that still adhered to Neutra’s principles of open floor plans and strong geometric lines. The house was celebrated for its cantilevered terraces, which offered breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline. 

About: Richard Neutra Richard Neutra (1892–1970) was an Austrian-American architect whose work epitomized the mid-century modern movement, especially on the West Coast. After studying under Adolf Loos in Vienna and later working with Frank Lloyd Wright, Neutra established himself as one of the most influential architects in the United States. His designs are known for their integration with the surrounding environment, innovative use of materials, and focus on the health and well-being of occupants—a philosophy he termed "biorealism." Neutra’s work, including iconic projects like the Kaufmann Desert House in Palm Springs, remains celebrated for its timeless elegance and environmental responsiveness. 

The destruction of the Hees and Kesler houses represents not only a loss of architectural history but also of cultural heritage, as these homes symbolized a pioneering era of design in Los Angeles. 

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