Rediscovering a Mid-Century Marvel: Linda Brettler’s All-Aluminum House
Every so often, architect Linda Brettler strolls down the long walkway to her Raphael Soriano-designed home and thinks, “I can’t believe I get to live here.” This sense of wonder stems from her residence, a 1964 all-aluminum house that uniquely melds the past with contemporary vision.
A Architectural Gem
Constructed for Albert Grossman, an aluminum manufacturer, this house features a striking aluminum framework and 28 sliding glass doors that dissolve the barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces. Brettler is particularly drawn to the floating cabinetry units designed by Soriano, which replace conventional walls with vibrant laminated micarta in shades of lavender, mustard, orange, and blue. The yellow Formica kitchen, complete with its original Eames barstools and vintage Pyrex hot plate, feels like a nostalgic snapshot of a bygone era, prompting memories of a simpler time.
The Challenge of Restoration
Although Brettler recognized the architectural significance of her home—it was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1997—the structure was not without its flaws when she purchased it for $3.14 million in 2021. “I enjoy projects like this, where I can retain the original essence while giving it my own touch,” she remarked. The community, however, expected a more radical renovation, suggesting alterations even to the iconic sliding glass doors which many considered energy inefficient. “They are the soul of the house,” Brettler insisted. “Changing them would ruin its character.”
Embracing Originality
When undertaken, the renovation revealed the home’s rich heritage. Brettler was given a collection of photographs and the original blueprints, which aided her in respecting Soriano’s vision while implementing updates. Interestingly, she even uncovered laminate and cork samples tucked away in the storage, enriching the home’s fragmented history.
In her quest to preserve the original charm, she resisted the urge to remodel the charming kitchen. “This micarta is 60 years old, and it’s perfect,” Brettler said. She kept the original kitchen, adding a Miele induction range but retaining the character of the vintage appliances.
A Journey of Problem-Solving
Brettler found delight in how the home presented unique challenges. Homeowners before her had struggled with outdated heating systems, failing appliances, and sliding glass doors that had become immobile over time. Yet, she saw each issue as a creative problem to solve. “There was not a standard way of doing things,” she noted, emphasizing the excitement around each renovation challenge.
Modernizing with Integrity
The renovations included removing shag carpets and replacing them with terrazzo floors that matched the original design. In the living room, she installed electric shades to address cooling issues, and in the kitchen, she put in LED lighting to brighten up the outdated fluorescent fixtures. Notably, she restored the pool, which had fallen into disrepair, adding modern amenities like a bar and bathroom that would endure California’s seismic activity.
Paying Homage to History
Brettler’s renovation respects the eco-conscious, minimalist aesthetics that Soriano championed. She even transformed a glass-enclosed dining room back into an open courtyard to honor Soriano’s original design. The sunken firepit was a thoughtful addition that maintained a light, cantilevered feel, blending seamlessly without obstructing views.
With her home now a canvas that reflects both her personality and its rich history, Brettler embraces a communal lifestyle in the space. The open design meets her family’s needs, affording her sons their own “little bedrooms,” while enabling family gatherings in a more connected setting.
Plans for Public Engagement
Brettler’s deep connection to the home goes beyond her personal enjoyment; she is committed to sharing this architectural marvel with the wider community. Plans for future tours and public engagements reflect her belief that historic homes should be lived in—not treated as relics. A sold-out tour sponsored by the Los Angeles chapter of the American Institute of Architects underscores this sentiment, inviting others to appreciate the legacy of Soriano’s craftsmanship.
Through her journey, Brettler conveys a profound recognition of not just the architect’s influence but also the lives that have unfolded within those walls. “I feel like I’m dancing with Soriano … and the owners,” she reflected. “The first time I saw the house, I thought, ‘We belong together.’ I feel their presence here with me.”
