George D. and Selma Sturges House

“A ship poised for flight.” That’s how the George D. and Selma Sturges House often appears to visitors. Right here in Brentwood Heights, this unique home seems to hover over the hillside. The George D. and Selma Sturges House story began in 1938. George Sturges, an engineer, and his wife, Selma, were captivated by an article in “Architectural Forum” showcasing Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. Intrigued by Wright’s affordable Usonian designs, particularly the Jacobs Residence, they reached out to the architect. Within months, Wright finalized the plans for their dream home. Constructed in 1939 with the help of John Lautner, the George D. and Selma Sturges House is the sole example of a Usonian house in Los Angeles. Wright considered this house “one of the simplest things we have done and one of the best.” The house’s compact 1,200 square feet encompasses two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, a small storage area, and a spacious living and dining area. A remarkable cantilevered terrace wraps around the house, amplifying the living space and emphasizing its dramatic hillside location. This terrace, along with the rooftop deck, contributes to the house’s resemblance to a ship or aircraft, reflecting the era’s fascination with speed and machinery. The George D. and Selma Sturges House showcases Wright’s signature blend of natural materials and modern design. Concrete, steel, brick, and redwood create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The wooden siding and trellis hark back to Wright’s Prairie style, while the redwood-clad interior evokes a nautical feel, complementing the house’s ship-like appearance. Wright aimed to incorporate industrialization into the construction process, utilizing new technologies while retaining the warmth of natural materials. He avoided purely concrete or steel surfaces, opting instead for the warm tones of wood and brick. The George D. and Selma Sturges House stands as a testament to Wright’s vision of affordable, modern housing for the American middle class. It is a unique blend of simplicity, functionality, and dramatic design, perched on a Los Angeles hillside.