How would you like to live in a flying saucer? Perched high above Los Angeles the Chemosphere is just that. A futuristic octagonal marvel. This iconic home designed by John Lautner in 1960 is a testament to mid-century modern architecture.
Its story begins with Leonard Malin a young aerospace engineer. He inherited a steep plot of land. The land was so steep that most architects deemed it unbuildable. Undeterred Malin dreamed of a home on that slope. He sought out the genius of John Lautner. Lautner’s innovative solution? To perch the entire house on a single thirty foot high concrete pillar.
The Chemosphere wasn’t just built it was a collaborative effort. The Southern California Gas Company and Chem Seal Corporation subsidized the project. Chem Seal even provided the experimental coatings and resins. Hence the name Chemosphere. Lautner initially envisioned naming it Chapiteau. Can you imagine?
The house boasts approximately 2200 square feet of living space. The unique octagonal design is bisected by a central exposed brick wall. A fireplace sits invitingly in the middle. John H Smith the first African American admitted to the National Society of Interior Designers decorated the original space.
Tragedy struck in 1976 when Dr Richard Kuhn the second owner was murdered in a robbery. Despite its unique appeal the Chemosphere proved a difficult sell. It was rented out for years falling into disrepair.
Benedikt Taschen of Taschen Publishing rescued the Chemosphere in 1998. He undertook a major restoration. The restoration was so thorough it even included details impossible to achieve in 1960 thanks to advancements in technology.
Today the Chemosphere stands as a testament to innovative design. It has been featured in countless films including Body Double and Charlie’s Angels. It also appeared in The Simpsons as Troy McClure’s fictional home. A true icon of Los Angeles architecture. It’s a house that continues to capture the imagination. It is a reminder that even the most ambitious dreams can be realized.