Neutra VDL Studio and Residences: An Architectural Case Study

Richard Neutra’s VDL House II Rises from the Ashes to Cover Two Generations of Architectural Research

It’s not often that father and son architects both get to play a role in designing a landmark home over two generations. However, in the case of Neutra Research House, both Richard and Dion Neutra had a hand in creating and rebuilding the structure after a fire — developing architectural research and defining the Modernist movement in Southern California along the way. In our Neutra VDL House architectural case study, our team of Austin architects reviews the history of the home, Richard Neutra’s influences, material selections, and impactful design elements that still make an impact today.

History of Neutra’s VDL Research House

“I wanted to demonstrate that human beings, brought together in close proximity, can be accommodated in very satisfying circumstances, taking in that precious amenity called privacy. So armed with my memories and convictions, and in direct contrast to the sense-inimical mien of my boyhood surroundings, I planted three families on my ordinary 60-by-70-foot lot, next to Silver Lake. And I was able to arrange things in such a way as to embellish our lives with abundant plantings and bracing vistas. One felt a great sense of freedom in the VDL, as everything was carefully planned to avoid interference between the various zones of the house, and there were many options for getting off by oneself.” - Richard Neutra

Richard Neutra originally designed and built the VDL Research House in the International Style (a precursor to the Modernist movement) in 1932, overlooking Silver Lake in Los Angeles, California. The experimental home, which served as Neutra’s family residence and office, is named for Neutra’s benefactor and friend, Cees H. Van der Leeuw, a wealthy Dutch industrialist. In the 2,000-square-foot design, Neutra demonstrated how he could incorporate some of his architectural innovations from his high-end Lovell House project into a less expensive home. In addition, the home sought to make use of a small lot with a stacked construction that brought in nature while maintaining privacy in confined spaces.

The 1963 VDL Research House Fire

In March 1963, a fire destroyed the original house along with much of Neutra’s research. With the oversight of his father, Neutra’s son Dion set out to rebuild the home. He preserved the home’s original footprint but updated features to reflect the mid-century modern style of the day, including a new glass penthouse structure to take in the view. By 1964, the new VDL Research House II was complete.

The Influence of VDL Research House II Today

In 1990, Richard Neutra’s wife Dione donated VDL Research House II to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Today, the university’s College of Environmental Design maintains the home and offers public tours. The home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009 and named a National Historic Landmark in 2016.

The home continues to inspire architects and Modernist enthusiasts today. Neutra’s son Dion even initiated a collaboration with Spanish manufacturer Kettal to produce the VDL Pavilion. The pavilion is a replica of the VDL penthouse level that’s available for purchase to be installed on rooftops, in gardens, or as a home extension for anyone looking for a piece of architectural history.

About Architect Richard Neutra

Richard Neutra helped define Southern California Modernism and ushered in the Modernist movement to the world. Neutra was born in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, on April 8, 1892, into a wealthy Jewish family. He had an early interest in architecture, studying the work of Otto Wagner before studying under Max Fabiani and Karl Mayreder at the Vienna University of Technology in 1910. In 1914, he took leave from school to serve in World War I and returned to complete his coursework in 1917. Neutra immigrated to the United States in 1923 and worked for Frank Lloyd Wright.

In 1925, he accepted an opportunity from his friend Rudolf Schindler to work together and live communally in his Kings Road House project in Los Angeles, California. After becoming a naturalized citizen in 1929, Neutra opened his own practice and designed the renowned Lovell House in Los Feliz, praised for its Modernist steel frame construction and cantilevered hillside design. He became known for the single-family homes he designed for some of LA’s wealthiest families. In 1932, Neutra’s career took off even further with recognition in a MoMA exhibition. That same year, he began work designing the famed VDL Research House.

Neutra retired in 1968 and chose to spend his final years in Germany. On April 16, 1970, he died at the age of 78.

VDL Research House II: Materials and Design Elements

Here are the materials and design elements that comprise the iconic style of the VDL Research House.

Materials Used in Neutra’s VDL Research House

Glass

After the 1963 fire, Neutra’s son Dion outfitted the home with floor-to-ceiling glass panels as part of the redesign and reconstruction. These glass panels reflected the Modernist style of the day and furthered Neutra’s original vision to connect the home interior to the outdoors. Additionally, the glass panels expanded the light and airy feel of the smaller rooms confined by the size of the narrow lot.

Built-in Furniture

Many of the rooms in the VDL house feature built-in furnishings finished in neutral wood tones. Neutra designed the built-ins to save space and maximize the narrow floor plan arranged around the home’s open staircase.

Mirror

Mirrors were strategically placed throughout the home to reflect the outdoors and create the illusion of additional space. For example, Neutra put mirrors on walls opposite windows to form “false” windows. Additionally, reflecting ponds serve as natural mirrors to mirror outdoor landscapes and the structure itself.

Design Elements Used in Neutra’s VDL Research House

Mid-century Modern Style

Richard Neutra designed the VDL Research House in the International Style, a precursor to the Modernist movement. After the 1963 fire, his son Dion added additional mid-century elements, creating a pinnacle of modern design. Neutra became known for his geometric and airy structures, which idealized the California lifestyle and ushered in mid-century modern style to the West Coast.

Lifestyle-centric Design

Neutra’s architectural design process involved discovering his clients' real needs rather than imposing his artistic vision. He employed detailed questionnaires to dive into his clients’ lifestyles and design around them. In a 1947 LA Times article, Neutra discusses the importance of lifestyle-centric design, advocating for multifunctional living spaces that are flexible, adaptable, and easily modified. Neutra House features various flexible rooms that create individual spaces that feel connected.

Indoor-outdoor Living

Neutra worked under a philosophy of “biorealism.” He sought to blend biological sciences and architecture to accommodate human needs and form essential connections to nature, which he believed promoted a sense of well-being. In VDL House, Neutra pioneered the concept of indoor-outdoor living through natural light, large windows, and a series of patio gardens. In many spots of the home, the barrier between indoors and out fades completely.