Restoring three Schindler houses merged three diverse families into an extended family. Their design passion has influenced the neighborhood.
Rudolf Schindler designed three houses in Inglewood in 1938, two adjacent and a third one house down. These homes had been underappreciated over decades.
Ten years ago, and culminating today, began a remarkable comeback for these abused diamonds in the rough which can be seen as the harbinger of a neighborhood’s revitalization. Three very diverse families have restored these houses, breathing new life into them and enhancing their gardens for modern living.
The restorations and interventions were guided by the architect under the principle of “what would Schindler do today” rather than a historic restoration. These houses embraced and enhanced the Master California Modernist’s goal of fusing open indoor and outdoor space.
This three-pronged project also has been a magnet for community building. The two adjacent Schindlers share a communal front yard turned into a new gathering place for the three families. The removal of the lawn and insertion of a xeriscape has become an educational showpiece that has since influenced neighbors to be more sustainable.