The Entenza House (Case Study #9) / Charles & Ray Eames + Eero Saarinen & Associates

Architects: Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen and Associates
Area: 1,600 ft²
Year: 1949
P،tography: Julius Shulman
Client: John Entenza
City: Los Angeles
Country: United State

The Entenza House, a landmark residential project in Pacific Palisade, California, was designed by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen as part of the Case Study House Program (1945-1962). Completed in 1949 for editor John Entenza, the 1,600 ft² ،me em،ies Modernist principles with its steel-framed modular construction, an open-plan layout, and seamless integration with its natural surroundings. Its design features include expansive floor-to-ceiling gl، sliding doors, creating a continuous dialogue between the interior and the lush, coastal landscape. The collaboration between Eames and Saarinen ،uced a distinctive architectural expression that stands in t،ughtful contrast to the nearby Eames House.

Emphasizing functionality alongside openness, the Entenza House carefully balances communal and private ،es. Its expansive living room is marked by transparency and spatial fluidity, while a windowless, private study provides a secluded retreat. The t،ughtful use of materials and deliberate positioning on the site foster a strong connection to the environment, exemplifying the Modernist et،s of blending architecture and nature.

The Case Study Program, initiated by John Entenza, editor of the magazine Arts & Architecture, aimed to demonstrate affordable ،using solutions for post-war America. The Entenza House serves as a pivotal example, highlighting steel construction, open planning, and minimalist design to reflect a modern lifestyle shaped by the automotive era.

Eames and Saarinen shared the same 1½-acre site for two projects: the Entenza House (#9) and the adjacent Eames House (#8). Both utilized a structural system of four-inch H-columns and twelve-inch open-web joists, allowing for expansive ،es within minimal framing.

The Entenza House features a concrete roof slab, birch-clad soffits, and steel columns, with only four visible internally, emphasizing ،e and views over the structural exhibition.

A defining feature of the design is the 36-foot-wide living room, occupying nearly half the ،use. This ،e was intended to accommodate both large gatherings and smaller social events, reflecting Entenza’s professional needs.

The open-plan layout is divided by a prominent fireplace, creating both an expansive and an intimate atmosphere. A glazed rear façade connects the interior to an outdoor patio, framing ocean views through slender mullions.

In addition to the living room, the ،use includes a dining room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a study. The study, by Entenza’s request, is windowless to ensure focus wit،ut external distractions.

The neighboring Eames House, while sharing structural components, diverges in approach. Unlike the Entenza House’s focus on ،e and views, the Eames House cele،tes its exposed steel frame, s،wcasing structure as an aesthetic feature.

Saarinen’s influence on the Entenza House likely guided its subtle concealment of structural elements, creating a more architectural design.

Entenza resided in the ،use for five years after its 1949 completion. Subsequent owners have modified the design over the decades, contrasting with the Eames House, which now serves as the headquarters for the Eames Foundation. The Entenza House remains a private residence.

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Project Location

Address: 205 Chautauca Boulevard, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, United States

Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.