One of the most iconic works in the Art Deco style is the Hollyhock House by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The home was originally designed for the wealthy oil heiress Aline Barnsdall and was built between 1918 and 1923. Since then, the home has become a symbol of Wright's devotion of organic architecture and its principles. The design of the Hollyhock House is inspired by the Mayan Revival style and has curved walls, stairways, and archways in addition to its iconic terracotta tiles. Interestingly, the terracotta tiles were created for the home by mixing pigment with local clay and then sun-drying them. From a distance, the tiles appear to be two-toned, which imbues each room with a unique visual effect.Case Study House #8 (Hollyhock House) by Frank Lloyd Wright
Another iconic work of Art Deco architecture is Case Study Houses #9 and #10 by renowned American designers Charles and Ray Eames. These two houses were built over the course of three years during the 1940s. While the Eames House is considered something of a masterpiece, House #10 isn't as well-known. However, both homes embody the Art Deco style perfectly. From their expansive windows to their low, slanted roofs, the two homes perfectly capture the modernist spirit of the time. Additionally, the homes feature bright colors and ornate details that add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall design.Case Study Houses #9 and #10 designed by Charles and Ray Eames
The Stahl House is perhaps the most photographed example of Art Deco architecture in the United States and is the work of renowned American architect Pierre Koenig. The home was originally built in 1960 and is considered to be one of the most iconic examples of mid-century modernist architecture in the country. The home features curved walls set against expansive glass windows that offer dramatic views of the city. The home also features signature Art Deco details such as patterned floor tiles and colorful abstract paintings. These finer details bring an extra level of sophistication to the overall design.Case Study House #22 (Stahl House) by Pierre Koenig
The Entenza House was designed in 1951 by renowned American architect John Lautner and is considered to be one of the most iconic examples of Art Deco architecture in the United States. The home features a unique design that was meant to stand out from the average mid-century modern home. The design features a curved roof, cantilevered balconies, and an emphasis on natural materials. The home also features classic Art Deco elements such as intricate stonework, beautiful wood beams, and ornate brass hardware. All these details come together to create a chic and modern aesthetic that captures the spirit of the Art Deco movement.Case Study House #23 (Entenza House) by John Lautner
Designed by renowned American architect Rudolf M. Schindler, the Schindler House is a classic example of Art Deco architecture. The home was built in 1921 and was intended to serve as a home for Schindler's own family. However, the house has since become an iconic example of the modernist style of the time. The Schindler House features a unique design that incorporates wooden and stone materials that create an inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the home features abstract ceiling paintings, stained glass windows, and vibrant accents that perfectly capture the unique spirit of Art Deco architecture.Case Study House #25 (Schindler House) by Rudolf M. Schindler
Designed by renowned American architect Craig Ellwood, the Case Study Houses #27 (Santa Monica) and #29 (Pacific Palisades) are iconic examples of Art Deco architecture. The two homes were built during the 1940s and serve as a testament to the modernist spirit of the time. Each house features a unique layout that emphasizes functionality and simplicity. The homes also feature distinct Art Deco features such as curved exteriors, open-plan layouts, and geometric shapes. Additionally, the homes feature abstract ceiling paintings, stained glass windows, and vibrant colors, all of which adds to the elegance of the design.Case Study Houses #27 (Santa Monica) and #29 (Pacific Palisades) designed by Craig Ellwood
One of the most iconic works of Art Deco architecture is the Eames House by renowned American designers Charles and Ray Eames. The home was built in the 1940s and is considered to be a masterpiece of modernist design. The home features a unique design that showcases the distinct spirit of the Art Deco movement. The home features a curved roof, cantilevered balconies, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the surrounding area. Additionally, the home features an ornate metal staircase, intricate stonework, and beautiful wood beams that add a touch of sophisticated beauty to the overall design.Case Study House #28 (Eames House) by Charles and Ray Eames
The Bailey House was designed in 1953 by renowned American architects John Entenza and Pierre Koenig and is considered to be one of the most iconic examples of Art Deco architecture in the United States. The home was originally designed with a focus on practical functionality, but its aesthetic is no less captivating. The home features an expansive glass façade that allows plenty of natural light into the interior. The home also features curved walls, intricate stonework, and bold windows that give the house a distinctive look. Additionally, the home features stylish decor and vibrant accents that perfectly capture the modern spirit of the Art Deco style.Case Study House #35 (Bailey House) by John Entenza and Pierre Koenig
Another iconic example of Art Deco architecture is the Storrer House by renowned American architect Pierre Koenig. The home was originally built in 1955 and has since become an iconic example of modernist design. The home features a unique design that incorporates a curved roof, cantilevered balconies, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of the city. The home also features classic Art Deco details such as patterned floors, ornate friezes, and bold colors. All these details come together to create a truly unique and modern aesthetic that captures the spirit of the era perfectly.Case Study House #36 (Storrer House) by Pierre Koenig
The Shone House is an iconic example of Art Deco design and was designed by renowned American architect John Lautner in 1954. The home features a sharp, angular design that perfectly captures the spirit of the modernist era. From its curved exterior to its open-plan layout, the home exudes a sense of sophistication and elegance. The home also features classic Art Deco details such as abstract ceiling paintings, stained glass windows, and ornate brass hardware. All these elements come together to create a truly unique design that captures the essence of the Art Deco style.Case Study House #39 (Shone House) by John Lautner
Case Study House Design: Refining Modern Architectural Principles
Case study house designs are some of the most influential developments in modern architecture. Characterized by open floor plans, simple structures, and plenty of windows, Case Study Houses played a major role in defining Californian modernism. These designs sought to showcase how modern building technology and innovative approaches could be incorporated into affordable housing solutions.
The earliest case study houses were built in 1945 and continued on for the next two decades. Architecture giants like Charles and Ray Eames , Pierre Koenig , and Rudolph Schindler created homes that are still relevant to contemporary architecture. Some of these designs are iconic and explore concepts of indoor-outdoor living arrangements, energy conservation, and creative use of materials to create unique and stylish homes.
Materials and Functionality in Case Study Houses
Case study houses were highly influential in their use of materials and functionality. They often featured large windows to make use of the natural light, expansive open spaces to maximize the feeling of living in a larger home, and custom-made furniture to add unique and interesting elements to the designs. Many of these homes also adopted a modular approach, making it easier to implement the design in various ways.
Case Study House Design: Looking Towards the Future
Case study houses have been defined by their modernity and ability to combine beauty and functionality with sustainability and affordability. These designs continue to be popular among architects, designers, and homeowners, who find inspiration in them. As technology advances and design trends evolve, the influence of case study house designs will continue to be seen in contemporary architecture as it looks to the future.