Esoteric Survey

Modernist plywood Dora De Larios Ring a ding ding

  Gross Wood, Ettore Sottsass and Frederick Weinberg One of my extra curricular activities in digging through stacks of yard sticks.

I was in Laurel Canyon this weekend and happened upon this house. I was told it was designed by Gene Loose. He was also involved in the design of at least three to four other houses on the cul-de-sac.  There is not much information out there on Loose. In 1950, the 24 year old redhead was living in Laurel Canyon and teaching architectural design at Chouinard. He was there until 1960.  One of the other houses by Loose. This one too and it is currently for lease through  Crosby Doe . This development was part of a class project that included the purchase of 1,742 acres of land in Laurel Canyon.  Many of the students were ex-Gls who needed homes during the post-war housing shortage.  Gene's idea was to provide practical knowledge to the students as they worked together on the construction to eliminate labor costs. Lots from the initial land purchase were sold off to help fund the construction.  Twelve students participated in the project, although as of 1950 only 7 homes were built.   

  Eugene Weston stools for Modern Color Inc.. Ettore Sottsass phone and an Alvar Aalto chair. This is actually from the weekend before last. I was distracted by the fate of democracy and all that.  Weed pots and a sculpture from 1983.