The Moving Icon: Sheats-Goldstein between past and future

The Sheats-Goldstein Residence, one of the icons of modernism in Los Angeles, is a work of art in constant evolution. From its origins in the 1960s, when Paul and Helen Sheats commissioned John Lautner to create the masterpiece for their family, to the innovative interventions that marked the transition to James Goldstein, each phase has enriched its history.

A journey through time: from roots to modernity

In 1972, James Goldstein's acquisition marked the beginning of a new era, where Lautner's vision was refined through subsequent collaborations. In the following years, Duncan Nicholson continued to perfect the structure, turning the property into a continuous dialogue between the past and the present. Nearly fifty years of evolution have transformed the residence into a living laboratory of architectural experimentation, where the tradition of organic architecture merges with contemporary needs.

Club James: the innovation that revitalizes the icon

The most recent phase of this project, very ambitious among architecture projects, is represented by the annex called Club James. Supervision and realization entrusted to Conner + Perry Architects - the Los Angeles-based studio that took over the project in 2015 - have given life to a multifunctional and innovative space. Club James, located adjacent to the original residence, includes offices, screening rooms, VIP areas, a panoramic terrace complete with main staircase, kitchen, BBQ area, relaxation areas, and a pool with spa. The design, completed in several phases and culminating with the terrace in 2023, harmoniously interacts with the original wood and cardboard master plan, preserving the organic essence of Lautner's project.

An evolving legacy and a future to be written

In addition to creating new spaces, Conner + Perry Architects also handles the restoration and maintenance of the Sheats-Goldstein Residence, including interventions on the Above Horizon installation by James Turrell. This project, which involved three generations of architects – from Lautner to Nicholson, and now Conner and Perry – is a vibrant testament to architecture's ability to reinvent itself while remaining true to its roots. The property is not just a static museum, but a place in constant activity, hosting tours, events, and shoots, making it accessible and inspiring for the general public. Future developments, including a theater and a guest house, promise to write further chapters in this fascinating story of innovation and tradition.

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