Chemosphere, Modernist residence in Hollywood Hills, United States.
Chemosphere is an octagonal residence in the Hollywood Hills that floats on a single concrete column about 30 feet above the ground. The structure features wraparound windows and an open floor plan typical of modernist design.
The house was designed in 1960 by architect John Lautner for an aerospace engineer, merging form and function in harmony with the space age. The experimental construction reflected the optimistic space-age aesthetic of the early 1960s.
The house has served as a filming location for television and movies for decades, shaping how people imagine Hollywood Hills in popular culture. Its distinctive shape and floating design make it instantly recognizable as a symbol of futuristic architecture in Los Angeles.
The house can be viewed from the street outside, but interior tours are uncommon and require special arrangements. The steep, narrow road leading up the hill can be challenging to navigate.
The utility and building supply companies that sponsored the project directly influenced the house's name. This was an unusual way to fund and name a private residence.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
