When a Richard Neutra-designed home arrives on the market, any lover of the legendary architect’s work needs to make a decision quickly – pull the trigger or hold for the next one? For architects Dora Chi and Erik Amir, when Lord House in Los Angeles came up for sale requiring a lot of work, the pair decided to take the plunge and purchase the 1961 Richard Neutra residence, confident in their ability to restore the home to its full potential.
Using the full capacity of their recently founded architecture studio Spatial Practice, the new owners knew they had something special on their hands, so long as they were patient with the careful restoration of the structure that was originally commissioned by composer Stephen Lord. Situated at the end of a private road just off Mulholland Drive in the hills of Los Angeles, Lord House is a quintessential example of the modernist style that Richard Neutra pioneered and became so well-known for (a reach that stretched as far as Tasmania), as a low-slung residence complete with a pool and thoughtfully selected garden vegetation.
“We were captured by the simplicity and purposeful design toward nature by Neutra that made the quality of space so unique,'” says Dora Chi, speaking with Wallpaper. “Naturally, we were also excited to dive into the world of one of the most influential midcentury architects, Richard Neutra.”
The duo modernised the bathrooms and kitchens, breathing fresh life into many of the interior spaces as well as adding an additional separate structure that serves as a guest house for visiting friends. Rich with detail, such as original terrazzo flooring and a three-sided fireplace, Chi and Amir added their own touches including a custom white oak kitchen that aimed to work with the original design of the building than against it.
Lord House’s renovation is a tastefully executed example of preserving the original intent of a building’s design while adding contemporary touches, in an approach that Richard Neutra would surely have appreciated.
All image credits: Michael Weber via Wallpaper
