Bailey House – Case Study House

This single-story residence designed by Pierre Koenig in 1959 features steel and glass construction with expansive windows and a flat roof that opens the interior to views. The building incorporates reflective pools and is oriented along a north-south axis to manage light and temperature through its layout.

This house emerged from the Case Study House Program launched by Arts and Architecture magazine after World War II to create affordable modern housing prototypes. The program aimed to demonstrate how architects could use new materials and innovative design to reshape residential building for post-war America.

This residence embodies the mid-century ideal of living in harmony with California's landscape, where glass walls blur the boundary between interior and outdoor spaces. The open floor plan reflects how residents wanted to live more openly and flexibly compared to traditional homes.

The residence is located in Los Angeles and requires advance planning to visit since it remains a private home with limited public access. Check locally for current visitation rules before traveling, as touring opportunities may be restricted to specific times or require prior arrangements.

Koenig documented this residence using special photographic techniques in natural daylight, an innovative approach that became crucial in showing how the design actually performed in real conditions. These photographs helped establish the project's reputation and influenced how architects around the world approached residential design.