The Lautner House: A Modern Sanctuary in the Hollywood Hills & Its Enduring Influence on Nicolas Ghesquière
Have you ever wondered what it’s like too live within a work of art? For nicolas Ghesquière, the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s women’s collections, that’s a daily reality. his home, a stunning example of mid-century modern architecture designed by john Lautner, isn’t just a residence; it’s a source of constant inspiration, a sanctuary nestled into the challenging landscape of the Hollywood Hills, and a testament to the power of organic architecture. This isn’t simply a celebrity home tour; it’s a deep dive into the beliefs behind a groundbreaking design and how it continues to shape the creative vision of one of fashion’s most influential figures.
A House Defined by its Site: lautner’s Masterpiece
Completed in 1963 for the Wolff family, the Lautner house (also known as the Wolff House) is a remarkable feat of engineering and design. Built on a seemingly impossible, steep slope, the house doesn’t dominate the landscape; it becomes part of it.Lautner, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, shared his mentor’s belief in organic architecture – a philosophy that emphasizes harmony between human habitation and the natural world.
This principle is promptly apparent. The house is anchored by massive, existing trees that are incorporated into the structure, with stone walls rising around them. A dramatic spiral staircase descends to the primary suite, and another leads to a secluded pool area on its own deck, further emphasizing the connection to the hillside. The design echoes Wright’s iconic Fallingwater, a house famously cantilevered over a waterfall in Pennsylvania, demonstrating a similar boldness in embracing and interacting with a challenging natural habitat. both structures aren’t just built on the land, they’re built with it.
From Paris to the Hills: Ghesquière’s Creative Retreat
For Ghesquière, accustomed to the fast-paced energy of Paris, the Lautner house represents a profound shift in lifestyle. “It is the opposite of the Paris life we have,” he explains. The house offers a respite, a place for quiet contemplation and a reconnection with nature. His days are filled with hikes in the nearby Hollywood Hills and Coldwater Canyon park, and evenings might include a movie at the IPIC, enjoying the luxury of comfortable seating and a cocktail.
But the house’s influence extends far beyond leisure. Ghesquière has largely abandoned his dedicated office, preferring to work throughout the house – at the kitchen table, on the terrace, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor space. “You open the big glass doors and go out on the terrace and you forget if you are inside or outside,” he describes. “It is like the whole house is a studio.” this immersive environment fosters a unique creative flow, allowing inspiration to strike anywhere within the home’s organic framework.
Architecture as Muse: Designing a wardrobe for a Lifestyle
Ghesquière’s work is often characterized by a futuristic aesthetic, yet it’s deeply rooted in historical references and architectural influences. he’s known for staging Louis vuitton shows in iconic locations – from the Bob Hope Estate to the TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport – carefully considering how clothing interacts with the surrounding architecture.
This same approach informs his experience of living in the Lautner house. He describes a constant process of imagining the “perfect wardrobe” for the space, a collection of garments that would feel intrinsically connected to the house’s spirit and the lifestyle it affords. This isn’t about simply decorating; it’s about creating a holistic environment where fashion,architecture,and nature converge.
The Enduring Legacy of John lautner & Organic Architecture
John Lautner’s work, tho relatively small in volume, has had a significant impact on modern architecture. He wasn’t interested in imposing a style onto a site, but rather in revealing the inherent beauty of the land and creating structures that felt organically grown from it.His designs prioritized the experience of inhabiting a space, emphasizing natural light, ventilation, and a seamless connection to the outdoors.
Recent research from the National Trust for Historic Preservation highlights a growing appreciation for mid-century modern architecture, with a particular focus on preserving these historically significant homes. (Source: https://savingplaces.org/). this renewed interest reflects a broader cultural shift towards sustainability and a desire for more meaningful connections with the natural world. Lautner
