“A house ridiculously like a treasure hunt.” That’s how the current owner describes the Van Dekker House. This plaque commemorates a home that almost vanished. We’re standing before a testament to architectural vision and dedicated restoration.
The Van Dekker House stands as one of Rudolph Schindler’s most significant residential designs. Schindler designed it in 1939 for Albert Van Dekker. Van Dekker was a Tony Award-winning actor. He appeared in films like “Dr. Cyclops” and “The Wild Bunch”. The Van Dekker family moved into the home in 1940. It quickly became a landmark of modernist architecture in the neighborhood.
Schindler, an Austrian immigrant, arrived in Los Angeles in 1920. He had collaborated with Frank Lloyd Wright. Schindler blended Wright’s nature-inspired ideas with European modernism. The Van Dekker House exemplifies this fusion. It became the largest residential commission of Schindler’s career. The house covers 3756 square feet on four acres. It even included a separate garage and workshop.
Schindler incorporated innovative construction principles. These included protruding exterior volumes and a sloped copper roof. The copper roof is particularly unique. It is the only known example in Schindler’s designs. The house also features bold colors and a double-height wooden ceiling.
The home’s design responded to its environment. Schindler rotated the L-shaped house along a diagonal axis. This maximized outdoor space and views. Inside, a small entryway opens into a large, two-story living area. A loft overlooks this space. Schindler’s signature built-in furniture is featured throughout the house. Large windows fill the home with natural light. Sliding wooden windows and clerestory windows add to the effect. Irregularly shaped windows echo the roof’s geometry. Enclosed porches, a balcony, and a patio connect the indoors with the surrounding landscape.
Despite its architectural importance, the Van Dekker House suffered years of neglect. By 2009, it was in deplorable condition. Copper panels were missing from the roof. Water damage had taken a heavy toll. Many unique windows were boarded up. The Van Dekker House faced an uncertain future and possible demolition.
Fortunately, the Van Dekker House was nominated as a Historic-Cultural Monument. This designation helped protect it. Two successive owners undertook a remarkable restoration. The copper roof was replaced by hand. The windows were repaired. Solar panels were added discreetly. These panels made the house energy-efficient.
Frank Gamwell purchased the property in 2013. He invested significantly to restore the house. He aimed to preserve original materials and incorporate green technology. Gamwell even found himself aligning with Schindler’s original design choices.
The restoration earned the Van Dekker House the Los Angeles Conservancy’s 2016 Preservation Award. It stands as a reminder of architectural ingenuity and the power of preservation. This house is more than just a structure. It’s an experience that continues to inspire.