Perched high above Los Angeles, the Sheats-Goldstein Residence is one of the most striking and futuristic examples of mid-century modern architecture. Designed in 1963 by John Lautner, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, this concrete and glass marvel seamlessly integrates with the surrounding hillside while offering unmatched views of the city below. Known for its bold geometric design, innovative materials, and cinematic presence, the Sheats-Goldstein Residence stands as a testament to visionary architecture.
A House Designed for the Elements
The home was originally commissioned by Helen and Paul Sheats, who wanted a residence that embraced California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Lautner’s design was revolutionary, featuring:
Angular Concrete Forms – The home is constructed from cast-in-place concrete, creating a sculptural, organic aesthetic that blends into the landscape.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Integration – Floor-to-ceiling glass panels and open-air spaces erase the boundary between nature and structure.
Floating Concrete Roof Panels – These perforated panels allow natural light to filter through, creating dynamic shadow patterns that change throughout the day.
Built-In Furniture – Lautner designed custom seating and built-ins, reinforcing the home’s organic flow and eliminating the need for conventional furniture.
The house feels as if it was carved directly from the hillside, embracing the natural topography and materials of the site.
James Goldstein & The Home’s Transformation
In the 1970s, businessman and fashion icon James Goldstein purchased the home and worked with Lautner for decades to expand and refine its original design. Goldstein’s enhancements included:
A transparent glass floor section, offering a dramatic view of the hillside below.
A seamless infinity-edge pool that blends with the city skyline.
The addition of a nightclub-style entertainment complex, complete with a hidden sky-lit bar and a James Turrell skyspace installation.
Goldstein's meticulous preservation and expansion of the home ensured that it remained a living work of architectural art, continuously evolving while staying true to Lautner’s original vision.
A Cultural & Cinematic Icon
The Sheats-Goldstein Residence has become one of the most recognizable homes in Los Angeles, featured in numerous films, music videos, and photo shoots. Perhaps most famously, it appeared in The Big Lebowski (1998) as the home of porn mogul Jackie Treehorn, forever cementing its status as a pop culture landmark.
Beyond Hollywood, the home has hosted fashion shows, celebrity events, and exclusive parties, reinforcing its crossover appeal between architecture, art, and entertainment.
The Future: A Gift to LACMA
In 2016, James Goldstein announced that he would be donating the Sheats-Goldstein Residence to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), ensuring its preservation for future generations. This unprecedented move makes the house one of the most significant architectural gifts in museum history, allowing the public to eventually experience one of Lautner’s most daring works firsthand.
Final Thoughts
The Sheats-Goldstein Residence is more than a home—it’s a living sculpture, an immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of architecture. With its futuristic design, seamless integration with nature, and lasting cultural impact, it remains one of Los Angeles’ most iconic mid-century modern homes. Whether admired for its groundbreaking architecture, Hollywood legacy, or ongoing evolution, the Sheats-Goldstein Residence is an enduring symbol of innovation and modernist brilliance.
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