It's always a trip to go back 50+ years in time and take a look at what was considered "modern," "futuristic," or "cutting-edge" back then. It's amusing, yet still telling, to see how quickly the "wave of the future" becomes a marker for an era past - and make no mistake, it'll happen to us too. I'm sure that 50-60 years from now, people will laugh at the things we now consider "ultra-modern."
But just because something is obviously the product of its time doesn't mean that it still can't be striking and innovative. For example, consider the (retro)futuristic Chemosphere, considered to be the "most modern house in the world" when it was first completed in 1960.
Once proclaimed “the most modern house in the world” Chemosphere, completed in 1960 by architect John Lautner, still stuns. See more breathtaking vintage interiors from the AD archives at the link in our bio #midcenturymodern #vintagehome #architecturelovers
These stunning archival photos come from @archdigest , which first covered this space-age mid-century modern abode back when it was still brand-new. The avant-garde "Chemosphere" was designed by architect John Lautner, a former apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright. According to the LA Conservancy , Lautner's career spanned 55 years , and in Southern California alone, he designed over fifty structures of architectural significance, the Chemosphere arguably being one of his most iconic works.
You'd be forgiven if you mistook this Jetsons -esque home for a flying saucer. In a way, such a spacey design was entirely appropriate for its owner. According to the LA Conservancy, Lautner designed this UFO-shaped home for aerospace engineer Leonard Malin . Malin reportedly had a very steep plot of land and only about $30,000 to build a home on it with (that would be somewhere in the ballpark of $320k by today's standards). Even with a not-insignificant budget, Lautner had quite the challenge to face, yet he overcame it in a masterful way, though he depended on sponsorships to complete the project. The name "Chemosphere" reportedly comes from one of his sponsors, Chem Seal, a company specializing in experimental coatings.
Some MCM stilt homes in Los Angeles are partially rooted to the ground, partially supported by stilts, but the Chemosphere is entirely elevated from the ground below it. The enormous octagon is supported by a 29-foot-high, 5-foot-thick concrete column, with a walkway connecting the home's elevated concrete patio to the hillside. Each of the building's eight exterior walls has large windows, providing a 360-degree view of the surrounding Hollywood Hills scenery.
According to Arch Daily , the interior of the Chemosphere is divided between sleeping quarters and living spaces , as is common with a lot of original MCM homes. The side facing the hill contained the Chemosphere's four bedrooms and a bathroom, while the more scenic half contained the living room, dining room, and kitchen. At the very center of the "flying saucer," there was a large circular skylight above a fireplace and sitting area, ensuring that even the center of the home got plenty of natural light.
The Chemosphere Now
Looking back on the Chemosphere 64 years after its construction, it's still a fascinating piece of architectural work. It is very recognizably rooted in the dramatic " Atomic Age " modernist aesthetic of the late 50s-early 60s, and again, it's hard not to think of The Jetsons when looking at it. Yet it's a unique, innovative home that's marvelously stood up to the tests of time, and while it might not still be "the most modern home in the world" by today's standards, it still feels futuristic.
The Malin family raised four children together inside the Chemosphere, and though the family eventually moved out, the home has remained privately owned since. You can still see the Chemosphere today, though not from the inside (at least, not without a personal invitation). The historic home sits at 7776 Torreyson Drive in West Hollywood, overlooking the Hills like a UFO rising out of the woods. Even from the outside, it's still an out-of-this-world wonder to behold!
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