Property of Mrs. Margaret W. Divizia, Pasadena, California | Architects: Thornton Ladd & John Field Kelsey

An artful entrance is achieved through the architect's arrangement of a simple, uncluttered series of planes and restrained use of ornament. Projecting canopy not only shelters callers but also forms handsome visual link between exterior and interior. On either side of entrance, exposed to sunlight, is space for planting. Taking advantage of the prominent position of the fireplace, the architect has shaped it into an impressive outdoor sculpture. He has similarly enhanced a utilitarian roof scupper with a decorative sheet metal shield, at the same time eliminating cost of downspouts. Exterior trim is used sparingly, painted black.

Without the planning skills and constant attention of an accomplished architect, this distinctive California house very likely could never have been built at any price. The problems were formidable. To begin with, only a fraction of the hillside property could be regarded as buildable, and even this small patch required many truckloads of fill and concrete piling to support the house. Such a site invariably means special difficulties and extra costs. But despite these handicaps, the house was constructed for less money than many conventional tract houses in the area. Its design is simple, partly to keep costs down but mainly because the owner, Mrs. Margaret Divizia, prefers simplicity. Solid, sand-colored plaster walls screen the front rooms from the nearby street. And on the opposite, or view, side there is an abundance of glass walls, as well as a sun deck extended over a canyon. The plan, long and narrow, was largely dictated by the nature of the site. To the right of the entrance hall lies the living-dining-kitchen section, and to the left the two bedrooms and baths. Since Mrs. Divizia has lived in the house, she has reached a significant conclusion regarding residential architecture. "Lots of people of varying economic and social backgrounds have come to see my totally modern house," she says, "and almost without exception they have been enthusiastic. This leads me to believe that builders often are not at the pres- ent time completely aware of what people really want in a house."

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source: House and Garden Magazine | June 1958