Historical Context and Location
The Case Study House #9, known as the Entenza House, was designed in 1949 by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen for John Entenza, editor and owner of the magazine Arts & Architecture. According to documentation from the Eames Foundation, the property is located in Pacific Palisades on a predominantly flat parcel on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Its location is notable for being adjacent to the Eames House, establishing a direct architectural dialogue between the two residences in the same coastal environment.
Modular Structure and Materials
The home’s design is based on a modular plan and steel frame construction. However, unlike other modern residences of the time that displayed their structural skeleton, the Entenza House conceals the steel structure under wood-paneled cladding. This aesthetic decision allows for a warmer and more continuous appearance, although industrial functionality remains at the core of the building.
The materials used include Truscon Ferrobord for most of the envelope. The ocean-facing façade is glazed with Libby-Owens-Ford glass and Truscon steel window frames, while the east elevation is constructed with lightweight concrete blocks by Rocklite. This combination of materials seeks a fluid transition between the interior and the exterior, a central concept in post-war modern architecture.
Spaces for Social Life
Given that John Entenza was known for frequently hosting guests, the house layout prioritizes public spaces over private ones. The floor plan includes two bedrooms, a study, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a utility room, a garage, and a large open living/dining area. The central element is a sunken living room with an integrated seating area, designed specifically to facilitate conversation and social interaction.
Editorial Interpretation
The Entenza House represents a synthesis between structural innovation and domestic life. By concealing the steel structure, the designers achieved an aesthetic that does not feel cold, while maintaining the efficiency of modular construction. The integration of large glass surfaces not only offers ocean views but also dissolves the visual barriers between the interior and the exterior landscape. This house is not just a residence, but a manifesto of how design can adapt to the social needs of its inhabitants, prioritizing community and interaction in a privileged natural environment.
At a glance
Scope
Editorial reading; does not constitute a visit or a technical evaluation.
Sources and references
Case Study House #9: The Entenza House | Eames Foundation ↗ · 18/10/2026