Introduction

Nestled into the steep terrain above the Cahuenga Pass in Los Angeles, the Hailey House by Richard Neutra is a modest yet masterful expression of mid-century modernism. Completed in 1959 and designed with a construction budget of just $25,000, the home remains a beacon of architectural intelligence—demonstrating how spatial luxury can be achieved without material excess.

While not as internationally renowned as Neutra’s Lovell Health House or the Kaufmann Desert House, the Hailey Residence is an essential study for architects, builders, and homeowners looking to understand the principles of site-integrated, budget-conscious, and technically innovative residential design.

Historical Context & Design Philosophy

Richard Neutra, a pioneering figure in California Modernism, brought the rigor of European modernist traditions—particularly the functionalist ideals of the Bauhaus—into dialogue with the unique climate and topography of Southern California. The Hailey House embodies Neutra’s mission to make good design accessible, moving beyond the elite commissions and focusing instead on livable, affordable architecture.

Designed for Jason Hailey, an engineer, the home was intended to be a compact, cost-efficient retreat that maximized openness and connection to the landscape. In doing so, it exemplified Neutra’s belief that residential architecture should support both physical comfort and psychological well-being.

Site & Spatial Planning

The Hailey House occupies a long, narrow plot atop a steep hillside in the Hollywood Hills. Neutra’s solution was a linear, rectangular volume (approximately 50 by 20 feet) stretched parallel to the site contours. The carport, shaded by a cantilevered roof, serves as both entry point and architectural gesture, integrating function with the home’s visual identity.

On the street-facing (north) façade, windows are minimized for privacy and energy performance. Kitchen and bathroom clerestory windows provide daylight without compromising privacy. In contrast, the southern, view-facing wall is a continuous expanse of floor-to-ceiling glazing, inviting the landscape inside and extending the interior experience onto a cantilevered deck that seems to float above the trees.

By reserving openness for the desirably oriented side and limiting fenestration on the utility side, Neutra balanced solar exposure, privacy, and energy performance—an approach still highly relevant in sustainable residential design today.

Structural System & Building Techniques

The structure is a straightforward post-and-beam system, divided into seven eight-foot-wide bays. This rhythmic structural layout allowed Neutra to avoid interior load-bearing walls, enabling spatial flexibility and the use of large, uninterrupted windows. Slender mullions and exposed ceiling beams reinforce the theme of visual lightness.

Materials were selected not only for aesthetics, but also for economy and constructability. Philippine mahogany and redwood were used widely in walls and built-in furniture. Fir planks make up the exposed ceiling, lending warmth and natural texture. Affordable finishes like asphalt tile in the kitchen and tempered Masonite and Marlite in upgraded bathrooms served both functional and cost-control purposes.

The post-and-beam grid was configured to suit the site, stepping lightly on the terrain and minimizing excavation. The foundation and floor system work in concert with the slope, giving the home a graceful, elevated presence that blends into the hillside rather than dominating it.

Interior Layout & Livability

Despite its compact original size of approximately 1,000 square feet, the Hailey House is remarkably spacious thanks to its open-plan design, built-in furniture, and strong indoor-outdoor transparency. The main living, dining, and kitchen areas are arranged in an L-configuration, offering logical movement while allowing each function its own visual and spatial identity.

A standout feature is a mobile, accordion-style wall separating the den from the living space. When opened, the den becomes part of the communal area; when closed, it serves as a guest room or private retreat. Built-in seating, cabinetry, and storage maintain spatial clarity and minimize the need for additional furniture.

Noteworthy furnishings include a custom-built sofa that backs against a floating masonry fireplace—one of Neutra’s recurring sculptural elements—and recessed nooks for audiovisual equipment, including a built-in vintage TV. The color palette combines the warmth of wood with select accent colors reminiscent of Mondrian artwork, reinforcing Neutra’s belief in emotionally resonant environments.

Connection to Landscape

Neutra was a master of integrating architecture and environment. In the Hailey House, this philosophy is realized not only through the expansive glass wall and projecting deck but also through thoughtful landscaping. Eucalyptus trees were planted strategically to obscure neighboring rooftops while framing views of the hills.

Large roof overhangs provide critical shade on hot summer days while allowing low winter sun to penetrate deep into the interior. These passive design strategies—solar orientation, cross-ventilation, and shading—anticipate many of today’s energy-efficient design practices.

Restoration & Preservation

Over the decades, the Hailey Residence has remained remarkably true to Neutra’s vision. A series of restoration efforts—most notably by Anthony Barsoumian, Andrew Gray Studio, and modernist historian Barbara Lamprecht—have preserved its essential character. Updates, such as new glass balcony railings and a sensitively modernized kitchen, have been handled with restraint and reverence for the original design.

Unlike many mid-century homes subjected to unsympathetic remodels, the Hailey House has maintained its architectural integrity, offering a pristine case study for students, practitioners, and preservationists alike.

Technical Summary

• Architect: Richard Neutra
• Year Completed: 1959
• Location: 3319 Tareco Drive, Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, CA
• Footprint: Approx. 50 ft x 20 ft (Original ~1,000 sq ft, later expanded to 1,129 sq ft with basement)
• Structure: Post-and-beam, 7 bays at 8 ft each
• Materials: Philippine mahogany, redwood, fir planks, asphalt tile, tempered Masonite, Marlite
• Rooms: 1 bedroom, convertible den, open-plan living/dining/kitchen, 2 bathrooms, basement (added office, wine cellar, laundry)
• Glazing: Full-height glass wall on south elevation with roof overhang shading

Comparison to Other Mid-Century Modern Icons

Educational Takeaways for Architects and Homeowners

The Hailey House offers a timeless blueprint for modern hillside living—even in today’s challenging real estate and construction climates. For architects and homeowners alike, it underscores the value of:

• Site sensitivity: Align design with slopes, solar exposure, and views.
• Structural economy: Use post-and-beam systems to achieve open plans and flexible interiors.
• Material restraint: Select honest, cost-effective materials that age well and offer tactile appeal.
• Indoor-outdoor transparency: Employ glazing strategically for spatial expansion and natural light.
• Built-in solutions: Integrate furniture into architecture for spatial clarity and efficiency.

Today’s compact home designs can directly draw inspiration from Neutra’s approach—no matter the locale. Whether you’re designing for an urban infill lot in Vancouver, a seaside slope in Sydney, or a wooded hillside in the Catskills, the lessons of the Hailey House remain enduringly relevant.