Capturing Modernism: The Kaufmann Desert House and the Lens of Julius Shulman

Introduction

Palm Springs, California, has long been celebrated for its stunning desert landscapes and mid-century modern architecture that complements the natural beauty of the region. One of the most iconic examples of this architectural style is the Kaufmann Desert House, designed by renowned architect Richard Neutra in 1946. This architectural masterpiece not only embodies the principles of modernism but also serves as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between architecture and photography, with Julius Shulman’s lens capturing its essence.

The Kaufmann Desert House: An Icon of Mid-Century Modernism

The Kaufmann Desert House, more commonly referred to as the Kaufmann House, stands as a paragon of mid-century modernism. Nestled in the desert landscape of Palm Springs, California, this emblematic structure was conceived by renowned architect Richard Neutra in 1946. The building is an architectural marvel: its innovative design elements, along with the indelible images captured by legendary photographer Julius Shulman, propelled the house into the global limelight.

Edgar J. Kaufmann Sr. and the Vision

The Kaufmann Desert House was commissioned by Edgar J. Kaufmann Sr., a wealthy Pittsburgh department store magnate known for his appreciation of contemporary architecture. Kaufmann had previously worked with Frank Lloyd Wright on the design of his family’s residence, “Fallingwater” in Mill Run, Pennsylvania.

From Wright, Kaufmann gained extensive knowledge about architecture. This education might have influenced him to move away from Wright’s concept of blending organically with the rocky desert. Instead, Kaufmann desired a home which stood in contrast to its surroundings yet seamlessly assimilated the majestic landscape into its interiors.

His experience with Wright undoubtedly influenced his decision to collaborate with another visionary architect, Richard Neutra, for his desert retreat.

Richard Neutra: Architect of Innovation

Richard Neutra’s Background

The Design of the Kaufmann Desert House

Neutra’s design for the Kaufmann Desert House was a masterpiece of modernist architecture. The house was intended to be a vacation retreat for the Kaufmann family, integrating seamlessly into the arid landscape of Palm Springs. The house was a representation of Neutra’s core principles, characterized by clean lines, flat roofs, open spaces, and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living.

The Kaufmann Desert House is a symphony of glass, steel, and stone. Neutra meticulously designed it to blend seamlessly with the desert backdrop, employing a series of horizontal planes and vast expanses of glass to blur the lines between the indoors and outdoors.

Some of the design hallmarks include:

1. Horizontal Planes: The house consists of a series of horizontal planes, jutting out at different levels. These planes, made of steel and concrete, create a layered effect, echoing the flat desert plains and the distant San Jacinto Mountains.
2. Expansive Glass Walls: Neutra’s use of floor-to-ceiling glass panels promotes an uninterrupted view of the surrounding landscape. These panels not only allow residents to gaze out at the desert but also invite nature inside, creating a two-way visual dialogue.
3. Stone Walls: To further anchor the house in its environment, Neutra incorporated local stone into the design. These stone walls act as a natural insulator, keeping the home cool during Palm Springs’ scorching summers.
4. Outdoor Living Spaces: True to its desert locale, the Kaufmann House boasts several outdoor living areas, including patios, a pool, and meticulously landscaped gardens. Neutra believed in creating outdoor rooms that were as vital as the indoor spaces.

Construction and Early Years

The construction of the Kaufmann Desert House began in 1946 and was completed in 1947. It was a trailblazing example of the International Style, showcasing innovative features such as floor-to-ceiling glass walls, a cantilevered roof, and a natural stone finish that harmonized with the desert environment. The house received significant attention and praise upon completion, setting the stage for its enduring legacy.

The Significance of Julius Shulman: Capturing the Zeitgeist

Julius Shulman, the renowned architectural photographer, played a pivotal role in shaping the public’s perception of modernist architecture in the mid-20th century. His work went beyond mere documentation; it was a form of visual storytelling that brought architectural designs to life.

While Neutra’s design for the Kaufmann House was undeniably groundbreaking, its ascent to international acclaim can largely be attributed to the evocative photography of Julius Shulman. Shulman, a master of architectural photography, had a knack for capturing buildings in a way that narrated their essence and context.

Shulman’s most iconic photograph of the Kaufmann House, taken in 1947, shows the house at twilight.  The house is illuminated from within, casting a warm glow against the mountain landscape behind. In the foreground, the pool reflects the house and a solitary figure (Mrs Kaufmann), adding a human element to the scene. This photograph, with its play on light, reflection, and geometry, encapsulates the harmony between the house and its environment.

In Shulman’s own words: “It’s a twilight picture, a 45-minute exposure. I had been doing photographs with Neutra at the house, and towards evening as the sun was setting, I noticed, looking out to the eastern desert, there was a beautiful glow in the sky. I said to Mr. Neutra, ‘Just a moment. I want to go outside and look at the house from the eastern side of the property.’ I looked at the house and I thought, ‘My God! Look at the twilight developing, and look at the mountains, and the scene which was being created by the changing light!’ So I quickly ran into the house, against the will of Neutra – he wanted to do more interiors. But I said, ‘No, Richard, we can’t do that. That sky is beautiful, the mountains are beautiful, and the is light glowing inside – the exposure values are just right.’ So I ran out with my camera and film bag, and set up the camera. Then I would run into the house and turn on lights, turn off lights, and I just kept building my exposures for this scene. Out of this process came the photograph. Now the point I’m making is I didn’t know what I was doing, yet it turns out this is one of the two most widely published architectural photographs in the world.”

Shulman’s imagery did more than just document the structure; it told a story. His photographs convey the serenity, luxury, and avant-garde nature of mid-century modernism, making the Kaufmann House a poster child for the movement.

Why did this photograph resonate so deeply? A few reasons:

• Temporal Intersection: Shulman’s choice of twilight—a time when day turns to night—captures the house in a transitional state, underscoring its balance between indoor and outdoor, natural and man-made.
• Narrative Depth: The photograph isn’t merely an architectural record; it tells a story. The viewer senses the warmth of the desert evening, the comfort of the home, and the promise of modernist living.
• Technical Brilliance: Shulman’s understanding of perspective and depth, combined with his meticulous attention to lighting and exposure, resulted in an image that is both realistic and ethereal.

Shulman’s collaboration with Richard Neutra

First Encounter

Julius Shulman’s journey into photography began unexpectedly in the early 1930s when he picked up a Kodak Vest Pocket camera. Originally enrolled in UCLA’s engineering school, he quickly dropped out and ventured to Berkeley, where he started photographing buildings around the campus. Shulman’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to frame these campus snapshots and sell them at local bookstores and department stores.

During a visit to his family home in 1936, he crossed paths with a young draftsman boarding with his sister. The draftsman was an employee of Richard Neutra. This chance encounter led to a pivotal moment in Shulman’s life. The draftsman invited Shulman to visit a newly constructed Neutra-designed house, the Josef Kun House, just a short drive away. Armed with his Vest Pocket Kodak camera, Shulman captured five or six snapshots during the visit. Impressed by Shulman’s work, Neutra expressed interest in purchasing the prints and arranged a meeting. It was during this encounter that Shulman, an unassuming amateur photographer, first met the influential architect who would shape his illustrious career.

Shulman and Neutra: A Creative Synergy

The collaboration between Shulman and Neutra was not merely professional; it was a creative synergy that resulted in some of the most iconic architectural photographs of the 20th century. Shulman had an innate ability to understand and interpret Neutra’s designs, capturing the essence of the architecture in his images.

The Kaufmann Desert House Today

Preservation and Restoration

After Kaufmann’s passing in 1955, the residence remained unoccupied for some time. Over the years, it changed hands multiple times, with  Barry Manilow and Eugene V. Klein, the owner of the San Diego Chargers, amongst its notable owners. Various renovations took place during this period; a patio was enclosed, bedrooms were decorated with inappropriate floral wallpaper, and a wall was removed to make space for a media room. Air-conditioning units were also installed, modifying the original roof lines. After being on the market for over three years, Brent Harris, an investment manager, and his wife Beth Edwards Harris, an expert in architectural history, acquired the property in 1992 for $1.5 million.

Over the decades, the Kaufmann House has undergone several changes. It passed through various owners and underwent modifications, some of which detracted from Neutra’s original vision

Thankfully, in the 1990s, the house was purchased by a couple who appreciated its architectural significance. They embarked on a rigorous restoration project, overseen by Marmol Radziner + Associates, to return the house to its original 1946 design.

Today, the Kaufmann House stands not only as a testament to Neutra’s genius but also as a preserved piece of architectural history. It is a beacon of mid-century modernism, reminding us of a time when design sought to reconcile humanity with its environment.

Over the years, the Kaufmann Desert House changed hands several times. In 2008, it was purchased by an architectural historian , Beth Edwards Harris, and her preservation-minded husband, Brent Harris.  Together, they embarked on an extensive restoration project to bring the house back to its original glory. The restoration work was a testament to the enduring significance of this architectural gem. Beth Harris worked meticulously to ensure that every detail, from the stone cladding to the original furnishings, was authentic and faithful to Neutra’s vision.  As many of the original architects plans had been lost, Harris worked closely with Julius Shulman, drawing from his archive of the original photographs taken for Neutra in the mid-1940s.

Where can you find the Kaufmann House and is it open for viewing?

The Kaufmann House is situated at 470 West Vista Chino in Palm Springs, California.  It is private property and hasn’t been historically open to the public. However, passersby can catch a glimpse of its iconic ‘gloriette’ roof deck from the street.

Conclusion

The Kaufmann Desert House is more than just a remarkable work of modernist architecture. It is a symbol of the enduring relationship between architecture and photography, with Julius Shulman’s lens capturing its essence in a way that has immortalized it in the public imagination. The house’s design, rooted in the principles of International Style modernism, continues to inspire architects, designers, and admirers of architectural beauty.