The George Sturges House, located in the Brentwood Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, is a distinctive residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Built in 1939, it’s a prime example of Wright’s Usonian style, a design philosophy aimed at creating affordable and functional homes for middle-class Americans.
Commissioned by George D. Sturges, an engineer, the house is relatively small, around 1,200 square feet. However, it’s celebrated for its dramatic cantilevered design and seamless integration with its steeply sloping site. This design allows the house to seemingly float above the canyon, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The Sturges House is constructed using a combination of concrete, steel, brick, and redwood. Its most striking feature is the large, 21-foot-long cantilevered deck, which extends dramatically from the main living space. This deck, along with the home’s horizontal lines and open floor plan, are hallmarks of Wright’s Usonian principles.
Wright’s Usonian houses emphasized a strong connection between the interior and exterior. The Sturges House achieves this through its large windows and the expansive deck, which blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. The design also incorporates natural light and ventilation, contributing to a comfortable and sustainable living environment.
The construction of the Sturges House was overseen by John Lautner, a Taliesin Fellow who later became a renowned architect in his own right. The house is designated as Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #577. It remains an important example of Wright’s innovative approach to residential architecture and his ability to create dynamic and livable spaces on challenging sites.
Location
The Sturges House is located at 449 N Skyewiay Road in the Brentwood Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.
Tours
Please be aware that this Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home is a privately owned residence and is not open to the public for tours. We kindly ask that you respect the owners’ privacy and refrain from trespassing on the property.
For Sale
Interested in seeing more of this Frank Lloyd Wright property? While this house is not currently on the market, check out this Zillow listing link where you can explore additional photos, interior views, and sale history, offering a deeper look, especially for privately owned residences.