THE SMITH HOUSE
Original Architect: Craig Ellwood
The Smith House
“Periodically there comes to light a building that—whatever its other merits—seizes the attention by the way it exemplifies some aspect of modern architecture. Such a structure is the hillside house in California by Craig Ellwood."—Architectural Review
A sublime T-shaped and extensive floor-to-ceiling floating glass pavilion, the Smith House is arguably one of the most beautiful designs built by modernist Case Study architect Craig Ellwood (1922-1992). Originally built in 1958, the Smith House was carefully restored to its original mid-century bones by Award Winning architect Jim Tyler, who worked with Craig Ellwood in the 1960s-1970s.
Beacon Hill was commissioned by In The Canyon Real Estate owner Frank Langen to meticulously replace all of the damaged mahogany wall panels and doors with new sapele wood. The kitchen and bathrooms were completely rebuilt with new floating cabinets and laminates, built to Ellwood’s specifications. The original master bedroom built-in bed and attached desk unit, designed by Ellwood, was recladded and relaminated.
Photo Credit: Dan Chavkin
