On the contrary, I love how connected it is to the outdoors, with its window walls and abundant natural light. Also, the deep overhangs keep the house naturally cool in the summer (we don’t have air conditioning and don’t need it), while the glass keeps the house naturally warm in the winter (we almost never turn on our heater, either). They are not suited for every climate, of course, but they are perfectly suited for the environment in which they were built – Southern California.

I’m sure you’re right – the climate of Palm Springs would have been very, very forgiving with these construction methods, which would last about 5 minutes in Vancouver – but climate aside these houses haven’t aged well. Maybe they should just be thought of as prototypes! I love them anyway, even if their mod internationalism and luxury do remind me a bit of Roxy Music’s “In Every Dream Home, A Heartache.” But I’m not sure that’s a negative, either.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=296Nvufy-aY

Having said that, many of us would probably jump at the chance to live in these homes and then regret it. Many of them were on the cutting edge of the available technology of the day, and frankly don’t work as practical domestic living spaces. They do look grand though!

all the best!

david john
los angeles