Case Study House No. 22 – The Stahl House (1960)

Perched on the edge of the Hollywood Hills, the Stahl House (Case Study House No. 22), designed by Pierre Koenig in 1960, is arguably the most iconic of the Case Study Houses. With its sweeping glass walls, cantilevered structure, and breathtaking views of Los Angeles, it became a defining image of Mid-Century Modern architecture. Built as part of the Arts & Architecture magazine's Case Study program, the house exemplifies the era’s bold vision for postwar residential design—minimalist, open, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

What makes the Stahl House extraordinary is its sheer audacity. Unlike most homes, which anchor themselves into the landscape, this house appears to float above it. The steel frame allows for an almost uninterrupted expanse of glass, dissolving the boundary between inside and out. At night, with the city lights sprawling beneath it, the house transforms into a glowing beacon of modernism. Its simplicity belies its complexity—Koenig masterfully balanced structure and light, creating a house that feels as much like an idea as it does a physical space. Unlike the Eames House, which was personal and experimental, the Stahl House is aspirational—a dream of the future, frozen in time.

The Stahl House is more than just a home—it’s a manifesto. It captures the daring spirit of an era that believed in progress, in the power of technology, and in the seamless integration of life and landscape. Few structures have had such a lasting impact, both as a work of architecture and as a symbol of modernity itself.

Assessment

  • A radical rethinking of residential architecture, proving that a home could be simultaneously minimal, luxurious, and deeply connected to its environment.

  • One of the most dramatic expressions of steel-framed modernism, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in residential construction.

  • A masterclass in structural efficiency—its lightweight steel frame allows for massive glass walls, creating an open, flowing interior with uninterrupted views.

  • The house integrates effortlessly into its surroundings, feeling almost weightless. The interplay of steel, glass, and concrete achieves a perfect visual balance.

  • A cultural icon that embodies the optimism of Mid-Century Modernism. Its image has become synonymous with architectural ambition and timeless design.

  • Built with prefabricated materials in an efficient, cost-effective manner—a testament to the Case Study program’s goal of making modernist homes accessible.