Gehry Residence in Santa Monica, 1978
The Gehry Residence in Santa Monica, California, is one of the most famous examples of architect Frank Gehry's deconstructivist style. Designed in 1978, the house serves as Gehry's personal residence and is a landmark in contemporary architecture, known for its innovative use of materials and forms.
Background and Design
Original Structure: The original structure of the Gehry Residence was a modest Dutch Colonial-style house built in the 1920s. This architectural style, popular in the United States in the early 20th century, is characterized by its practicality and charm
Gehry’s Interaction with the Original Structure
Frank Gehry’s intervention didn’t demolish the original house but rather used it as a foundation for his transformative design. Here’s how the original structure was integrated into the new design:
Preservation of Form:
The original Dutch Colonial house remains largely intact within the envelope of the new construction. Portions of the old house, such as the gambrel roof and clapboard walls, are still visible through the added layers of glass, chain-link fencing, and corrugated metal.Dialogue Between Old and New:
Gehry intentionally left the original structure recognizable as a way to create a tension between the traditional and the modern. This approach reflected his belief in celebrating and exposing the process of change and construction.Interior Contrasts:
The juxtaposition of old-fashioned, cozy interiors (like the retained fireplace and original wood paneling) with the industrial and deconstructed additions heightens the sense of contrast and experimentation that defines the residence.
Gehry reimagined the house, wrapping the original structure with a bold new exterior made from unconventional, industrial materials like corrugated metal, plywood, and chain-link fencing.
The design juxtaposes raw, unfinished materials with the original structure, creating a fragmented and layered aesthetic that appears both chaotic and harmonious.
Frank and Berta Gehry Residence, Santa Monica, California, 1978 (Modified). Main entrance view from 22nd StreetImage: Tim Street-Porter
Notable Features
Exposed Materials:
Gehry intentionally left many materials exposed, including wooden studs and beams, to emphasize the construction process and create a sense of transparency.
Asymmetry and Fragmentation:
The house's exterior features angular protrusions, mismatched windows, and jutting forms that break away from traditional architectural norms.
Play of Light:
Large, unconventional windows and skylights allow natural light to flood the interiors, creating dynamic patterns and shadows throughout the day.
Integration with the Original House:
Instead of demolishing the original Dutch Colonial structure, Gehry incorporated it into the new design, leaving parts of it visible and creating a dialogue between old and new.
Frank and Berta Gehry Residence, Santa Monica, California, 1978 (Modified). View of the kitchenImage: © Frank O. Gehry. Courtesy of Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2017.M.66), Frank Gehry Papers
Frank and Berta Gehry Residence, Santa Monica, California, 1978 (Modified). Detail of the ‘falling’ glass box from withinImage: © Frank O. Gehry. Courtesy of Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2017.M.66), Frank Gehry Papers
Public Criticism & Reception
The Gehry Residence was polarizing when it was first unveiled. Neighbors criticized its unconventional appearance, calling it an eyesore, while critics praised it as a groundbreaking piece of architecture.
Over time, the house gained recognition as a seminal work that launched Gehry's career into international prominence.
Frank and Berta Gehry Residence, Santa Monica, California, 1978 (Modified). View of the dining roomImage: Tim Street-Porter. © Frank O. Gehry. Courtesy of Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2017.M.66), Frank Gehry Papers
Legacy
The Gehry Residence is considered a cornerstone of Frank Gehry's architectural philosophy and a precursor to his later works, such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. It exemplifies Gehry's approach to architecture as an art form, prioritizing experimentation, innovation, and challenging traditional conventions.
The Gehry Residence remains a private home and a lasting symbol of architectural ingenuity and creativity.
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