Feb 11, 2022
Waxman House
Overview The Waxman House on Buena Park Drive is a remarkable composition of stacked volumes that steps upward from the street to overlook the San Fernando Valley. Architect J. Barry Moffitt designed it for his friend, artist Arlene Waxman, and her husband Jerry, completing it in 1964. Moffitt studied with prominent local Modern architects like John Lautner, and in this design, he puts his own distinctive mark on the methods and materials of Modernism. As an adaptation to its steeply sloping lot, the Waxman House is more vertical than horizontal in orientation, consisting of three basic levels. The entry-level contains a bedroom, the second level has another bedroom and bath, and the rest of the house sits on the top level, which is open in the plan. Even this level has sub-levels, with a short stairway leading to a small office/den area with wide views of the terraced patios outside. The house is clad inside and out with redwood, lending its simple lines and stacked masses a warm feel, and abundant glass assures it maintains an open airiness. Large clerestory windows surround the living room, with vertical windows bringing in even more light. The house has recently been restored to its original condition, and its exterior is complemented by a recent landscape redesign by landscape architect Jay Griffith. It is a great example of Moffitt's work and lovely response to its challenging lot.
Waxman House
Overview The Waxman House on Buena Park Drive is a remarkable composition of stacked volumes that steps upward from the street to overlook the San Fernando Valley. Architect J. Barry Moffitt designed it for his friend, artist Arlene Waxman, and her husband Jerry, completing it in 1964. Moffitt studied with prominent local Modern architects like John Lautner, and in this design, he puts his own distinctive mark on the methods and materials of Modernism. As an adaptation to its steeply sloping lot, the Waxman House is more vertical than horizontal in orientation, consisting of three basic levels. The entry-level contains a bedroom, the second level has another bedroom and bath, and the rest of the house sits on the top level, which is open in the plan. Even this level has sub-levels, with a short stairway leading to a small office/den area with wide views of the terraced patios outside. The house is clad inside and out with redwood, lending its simple lines and stacked masses a warm feel, and abundant glass assures it maintains an open airiness. Large clerestory windows surround the living room, with vertical windows bringing in even more light. The house has recently been restored to its original condition, and its exterior is complemented by a recent landscape redesign by landscape architect Jay Griffith. It is a great example of Moffitt's work and lovely response to its challenging lot.
Feb 11, 2022
Posted Date
Feb 14, 2022
Historical Record Date
Feb 11, 2022
Source Name
Los Angeles Conservancy
