Modernist architect Rudolph Schindler achieved the ultimate in utilitarianism at the Druckman House, making every inch count in the 1,662-square-foot residence in Outpost Estates.
To create the effect of spaciousness upon entry, the living and dining rooms are an open concept, illuminated by indirect lighting in the beamed ceiling. Downstairs, the two bedrooms and study are customized with built-in beds, desks, wardrobes, and shelves. The chimney serves dual fireplaces: one in the living room, the other to heat the outdoor patio.
Schindler—a protege of Frank Lloyd Wright—also designed the furniture, each piece tailored for a particular purpose.
In the living room, a long couch was built flush to the floor and upholstered in a nubby fabric to blend into the chenille rug. An end table housed a radio-phonograph with storage space for albums. An additional love seat could be arranged by pulling apart the two accent chairs (their arms and backs hidden away in a slot under the seats). The dining area is partitioned by a built-in buffet and cabinetry that conceals the heating unit.
The home, built in 1941, was commissioned by psychiatrist Dr. Jacob S. Druckman and his wife, artist Margaret Druckman.
The couple’s directive to Schindler was to balance privacy with plenty of natural light, which he achieved by placing all street-facing windows high. Additionally, the bedrooms are located in the rear of the residence, yet feature large panes of glass to enjoy the hillside’s “woodsiness,” described the Los Angeles Times in the 1948 article “A Home in Harmony With Its Land.”
The Druckman House is back on the market for $3.295 million, following a comprehensive renovation that preserved Schindler’s original design while incorporating modern amenities.
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