If you’re seeking to own a slice of architectural history in Los Angeles, the recently listed Grossman House may be of interest. Located in the popular Studio City neighborhood, the prefab residence was built in 1964 by the renowned midcentury-modern architect Raphael Soriano, and has been celebrated for its brilliant construction ever since.
Soriano-who served as an intern for prominent modernist architects Richard Neutra (in 1931) and Rudolph Schindler (in 1934-designed the dwelling for Albert Grossman, an aluminum contractor. The influential 20th-century architect blended corrugated metal with glass walls to create the low-maintenance property. According to the listing, Grossman adored the finished result so much that he named the house El Paradiso.
Much of the interior is dressed with an easy-to-maintain laminate known as Formica.
Though the home has changed ownership several times since it was built, the structure maintains many of the original details that showcase its midcentury charm. In addition to boasting exposed beams and built-ins, the Los Angeles residence also features cork paneling, black terrazzo floors, and a bright-yellow kitchen. Easy-to-maintain Formica wraps the interior surfaces.
The Los Angeles home offers nearly 4,000 square feet of interior space.
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls wrap around a large portion of the residence, sweeping ample natural light inside.
Soriano designed the 3,886-square-foot home to serve as a live/work environment: The entire second floor of the residence is dedicated to an airy in-home office. The lower level houses the primary living areas, all of which open to either a large atrium or the backyard. In total, the dwelling offers three bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as several flexible gathering spaces, including a playroom.
Captivating views of the backyard pool can be seen from various corners of the home.
Black terrazzo tiles line the lower-level floors and contrast with the corrugated metal ceilings.
The backyard presents a resort-like oasis with a swimming pool, outdoor lounge areas, and a garden. Lush vegetation and a bordering fence enhance privacy for residents. The property also includes an attached two-car garage. While the home last sold in 2016 for $2,475,000, it’s now back on the market-this time seeking $3,275,000. Scroll ahead to see more.
A more intimate seating area toward the back of the house features a cozy lounging nook.
Bar seating near the kitchen offers a casual place to wine and dine.
The kitchen maintains its original charm with yellow Formica cabinetry and a built-in radio.
A more formal dining area is situated just steps from the kitchen in the glass-wrapped atrium.
Glass walls continue into the home’s three sun-filled bedrooms.
One of the bathrooms features an oversize soaking tub that is original to the home.
The principal suite features original cork paneling that spans the wall behind the bed and stretches up to the ceiling.
One of the bonus spaces is currently being used as a playroom, but could easily be converted into a gym or creative studio.
Expansive windows wrap around the in-home office on the home’s upper level.
The partially shaded backyard pool area offers an idyllic setting for gathering and entertaining.