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Good news for architecture enthusiasts, the iconic VDL House, built by Richard Neutra, can now be enjoyed from anywhere in the world through a brand-new website. The virtual tour showcases the Los Angeles residence, which serves not only as a National Historic Landmark but also as a platform for exchanging ideas around architecture, art, and culture.
Richard Neutra, one of the most renowned modernist architects, built the VDL House in 1932 with the help of a generous loan from Dutch philanthropist Dr CH Van Der Leeuw. The contemporary glass house was named the VDL Research House after its benefactor and boasted glass and mirrored surfaces that reflected the stunning surrounding landscape. Considered radical and subversive at the time, Neutra’s vision for the house of the future became the home of tomorrow.
Sadly, in 1963, a disastrous fire destroyed the main house. Luckily, with the help of his son and partner Dion, Neutra was able to give the house a new lease on life. They worked together to add two additional floors and a penthouse solarium to the original prefabricated basement structure, resulting in the creation of the stunning VDL House II. Later, in 1990, the Neutra family generously bequeathed the house to Cal Poly Pomona University, in recognition of Richard Neutra’s ties to the university and to continue his legacy of educating students and the public on the significance of architecture. Since 2008, the VDL House has undergone many restorations under the leadership of Sarah Lorenzen, and it now boasts programs that promote accessibility to the public.
Recently, the VDL House has partnered with creative company Mouthwash Studio to revive its branding and website, providing visitors the opportunity to explore the architect’s revolutionary home and office from the comfort of their own homes. The Californian design agency worked with interiors and product photographer Elizabeth Carababas and developer Jason Bradley to redesign the house’s brand identity and website with the goal of maintaining the revolutionary spirit that characterizes this Los Angeles icon.
As the pandemic has shifted culture to the digital sphere, the last two years have welcomed a golden age of virtual media. Digitizing cultural institutions has allowed more people to enjoy these landmarks, and it has helped democratize knowledge and culture.
We hope you enjoy exploring the VDL House through the website, leaving with a newfound appreciation for Richard Neutra’s architectural legacy. Photographs ©Elizabeth Carababas
