What it lacks in privacy this post-and-beam glass house by Craig Ellwood makes up for in drama.

The Smith House was built in 1958 by the Modernist architect – one of the key contributors to the Case Study House programme – and sits on a 9,648 sq ft plot, jutting out over a canyon in Los Angeles’ Brentwood.

It has been carefully restored by architect James Tyler, who has polished its midcentury bones.

The Los Angeles property’s unusual T-shaped floor plan and extensive floor-to-ceiling glass walls make the most of far-reaching views towards Santa Monica Bay.

Communal living areas are set inside the vertical volume of the ’T’, enjoying the best vistas, while bedrooms fill the head.

The Modernist property was featured in a number of publications following its completion, including Architectural Review, which wrote in 1960: ‘Periodically there comes to light a building that – whatever its other merits – seizes the attention by the way it exemplifies some aspect of modern architecture. ’

A simple colour scheme lets Ellwood’s material palette shine. Red brick floors, painted black beams and wood panelling offer classic midcentury touches, and a standout feature is the huge brick fireplace which divides the living room and dining room.

The Smith House is on the market via Deasy Penner for $3m, and comes wrapped in 530 sq ft of decking, including a children’s play area and outdoor dining terrace.

[Via Curbed]

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