John Lautner / Silvertop

Reiner-Burchill Residence, AKA Silvertop by John Lautner (1963)

Commissioned by industrialist and engineer Kenneth Reiner and recently restored by Barbara Bestor. Reiner interviewed 40 architects before meeting and almost instantly selecting Lautner. They worked on the project for nearly 10 years. Reiner was deeply involved in every aspect of the design and his company even machined components needed for the innovative design. Nothing stock was used on the house. 

The site is comprised of 6 lots and has 360 degree views, including downtown and the most incredible perspective of the Silver Lake reservoir--hence the name Silvertop.  

Source: John Lautner, Architect. Edited by Frank Escher

Source: John Lautner, Architect. Edited by Frank Escher

There's Meaghan and Joel.

Bestor Architecture recently completed a "three year rejuvenation and revitalization" of Silvertop. 

"In 2014 the new owners commissioned Barbara Bestor, of Bestor Architecture, to create a contemporary residence by reconstructing and modernizing the space-age experimental engineering and by repairing late 1970’s construction additions. Much of the updates to Reiner and Lautner’s innovations are hidden from view- custom mechanical elements have been refashioned and digitized, lighting systems have been improved and meet contemporary efficiency standards, and the air-floor heating and cooling system has been modernized. The kitchen, which had been altered in the 1970’s is more in the spirit of the original design, with vertically-oriented Cypress panels (to distinguish it from the original horizontally-oriented Cypress paneling), an open plan, and restoration of the dining area. Other discreet insertions include a renovated master bathroom with retractable glass panels, custom terrazzo on the patio and bathrooms, and the repair and addition of cork paneling on the ceiling in certain areas." Via Bestor Architecture

In addition, the crow’s-nest viewing platform above was added. It was part of the original Lautner design, but was never realized. 

This atrium is pretty special.

I was expecting this house to be slick, maybe too slick.  Later Lautner projects, with their seemingless limitless budgets and lack of constraint, don't usually do it for me. However, I was blown away by this one. The structure utilizes the site in such a way that it really does feel like you're on top of the world. It also doesn't feel cold. The inside and outside are blurred and the overall lightness of the house that is unexpected with a concrete structure.