Discover the resurrected Rudolph Schindler masterpiece, known as How House, in the heart of Los Angeles.
Renovating a Modernist Masterpiece: The Restoration of Rudolf Schindler's How House
In the heart of Los Angeles, a historical renovation project has breathed new life into a architectural gem. The How House, a groundbreaking residence designed by Austrian-American architect Rudolf Schindler in 1925, has been meticulously restored by Spencer Velasquez and Taska Cleveland.
Perched on a steep ridge in Silver Lake, the How House stands as a testament to early California modernism. Its location on the dramatic slope is integral to its design, showcasing Schindler's commitment to site responsiveness. The house, with its daring geometry and proportions, remains a striking example of Schindler's break from conventional residential design.
Velasquez and Cleveland's approach to the renovation was one of respectful preservation and sensitive updating. They focused on maintaining the original spatial ingenuity, the interplay of concrete and wood, and the openness between inside and outside spaces. The renovation emphasised the house's historical and architectural significance, not just as one of Schindler's earliest commissions, but also as a cherished modernist gem in Los Angeles.
One of the unique challenges during the renovation was the narrow doors, which made it difficult to bring in large pieces of furniture. To overcome this, Velasquez and Cleveland designed new furniture specifically for the house. Vintage pieces, such as a dining table, chairs, a sofa, and custom-made armchairs, were added upstairs as spare furnishings.
Cleveland also designed custom built-in cabinets for the two bedrooms, offices, and kitchen, commissioning Santori Woodworking for the job. To address the lighting challenge, she added unobtrusive brass cylinders for a soft ambient glow, ensuring that the natural light during the day and darkness at night were both beautifully illuminated.
The How House, built for just $8,300, has proven to be an extraordinary investment. The daily cycle from sunrise to sunset excites the owner, with the liquid quality of the sunlight changing from moment to moment. The light well linking the two levels and sweeping vistas, east to the San Gabriel mountains, and west to the Griffith Observatory in the Hollywood Hills, add to the house's unique charm.
The renovation of the How House is a testament to Velasquez and Cleveland's commitment to preserving and celebrating Schindler's architectural legacy. The house's spatial complexity, materiality, and context-driven design have been preserved, ensuring its status as an important architectural landmark in Los Angeles.
References: 1. The Architect's Newspaper 2. Curbed LA 3. MAK Center for Art and Architecture 4. Los Angeles Conservancy
During the restoration process, Velasquez and Cleveland chose to incorporate new furniture, such as custom-made armchairs and vintage pieces, that harmonized with the home's interior-design ethos. The renewed focus on the house's original spatial ingenuity enriches and elevates its lifestyle, blending Schindler's modernist vision with contemporary home-and-garden aesthetics.
