Pierre Koenig’s Henbest-Birkett House!

Pierre Koenig’s Henbest-Birkett House!

Pierre Koenig's Henbest-Birkett House!

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Mid-Twentieth Century architecture has been experiencing a rebirth of popularity and the architects of the period are becoming famous for their unique American design. The style originated after the turbulence of World War II when soldiers were glad to get home and find affordable new housing with a modern perspective.

Arts & Architecture magazine did an interesting experiment by commissioning major architects of the time to build inexpensive, efficient model homes for the U.S. residential market which was booming in the post-war years. The houses were called the Case Study Houses and the architects chosen included Richard Neutra, Pierre Koenig, Raphael Soriano, Craig Ellwood, Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, A. Quincy Jones and Ralph Rapson.

Said to be the most iconic example of the Los Angeles, California Case Studies was the Stahl House, Case Study # 22 by Pierre Koenig. Because his designs were built on what was considered unbuildable lots, Koenig worked with structural engineer William Porush on almost all of his steel, concrete and glass homes. Most of the Case Study homes have changed hands many times over the years with the exception of the Stahl House, which remains in the original family. Over Koenig’s career, he built 43 steel and glass buildings, one of which has just been put on the market.

Koenig’s Henbest House in Rancho Palos Verdes, California was originally built in 1966 overlooking the ocean. In 2011, the current owners commissioned designer Robert Sweet to re-interpret and expand the house while remaining sensitive to Koenig’s original design. Sweet used complementary materials and opened the house more to the outside. Now at 3,270 square feet, the house has four bedrooms, four baths, open floor plan of dining-kitchen-family room, living room, den, home office, patios, pool, spa and attached two-car garage. Changes made by Sweet were the addition of a second wing, a fountain entry and a pool. Interior walls and cabinetry were removed to create a more free-flowing space. For more information.

The Pierre Koenig Henbest House, now restyled by the current owners by designer Robert Sweet and now named the Henbest-Birkett House, is for sale, priced at $3.875 million.

Source: henbest-birkett.com