Himmelhaus For Sale

Brian Linder's The Value of Architecture lists a a house in Venice, California designed by Austrian architects Coop Himmelb(l)au. The asking price for the 2,271-sf house, what Linder calls "the first project built by the Austrian team in the United States," is just under $2.6 million. I'm a fan of the Viennese duo, but this house isn't one I'm familiar. Most likely this stems from the fact it was never widely published; it's not in either of the monographs I have on their architecture, and it's not found on their web page.

According to a fairly recent Architectural Review article by Michael Webb (text but no pictures here), the 1995 project was a spec house completed after their widely published Open House failed to materialize. The Webb article further indicates that the single-family house, originally a duplex and subsequently owned by interior designer Virginia Moede, was "enhanced" by architect Michael Hricak and contractor Roland Tso in 2007. So the photos below reveal a project saved by a dozen years later...of course the original desire for communal living is eschewed in favor of a single owner and family. Regardless it looks like something that Coop Himmelb(l)au should now be proud of, as it certainly fits in alongside their more well known buildings with its dynamic form and disregard for context.

himmelhaus.jpg
[Photos from The Value of Architecture | Aerial from Google Maps]

Comments

  1. wow, it really stands out among this row of ordinary houses!

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  2. I'd like to buy this, but I'm just a little short right now.

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  3. Wow. I love the floor to ceiling windows and this house really stands out in the neighborhood!

    Samantha
    http://museuminternmusings.blogspot.com

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  4. I think it is fab! I would love to have this house. it's so different and clean.if I had the money I would buy it even thought I don't live in the states.

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  6. Great innovative building with unique design, a delightful sweet home for single family... Architecture gives gift to life...

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  7. This reminds me of early Gehry work....It is really visually intriguing, but I have to wonder if it leaks....

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  8. It really is amazing what you can build when you put your mind to it and know what you doing. This place is pretty cool. I have to admit I would trade my house straight across. Think they would be up for that?

    bp
    Dumpster Rental Pros

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  9. Yes it stands out but I still prefer the more moderate architecture like the one from UK, just have a look :
    citiesandsuburbsarchitecture.blogspot.com

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  10. WOW! This is such creative designs and architecture. Very different and unique. I've seen designs like this in Dubai.

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  11. Really, very beautiful building with unique designs! Thanks for sharing beautiful pictures.
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  12. It was a great post and for me it was very amazing and incredible. For me this place was truly masculine if I am not mistaken. I really love it. Thank you and Keep posting.




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