One of the world’s most famous mid-century modern architects, the University of Southern California’s distinguished professor, Pierre Koenig, got his bachelors from USC’s School of Architecture and went on to teach at the venerable institution for forty years. A prolific lecturer and the recipient of more than twenty awards, Koenig was known for his contemporary designs.

Reflecting the optimism of the atomic age, the Mid-Century Modernist school of architecture featured clean lines, geometric shapes, and functional materials emphasizing steel, glass, and concrete. When Art and Architecture magazine sponsored its Case Study Houses, experiments in residential architecture, Koenig was chosen to design two of them.

His Case Study House #22, also known as the Stahl House, is widely considered the iconic Los Angeles modern. Made famous by a striking 1960 photo by Julius Shulman of the glass-walled home suspended over the LA city lights, the home has been the set of numerous films and music videos and has been referenced by both The Simpsons and the Grand Theft Auto video game series.

The foyer has an industrial and modern design with concrete flooring, a steel ceiling, and a matching staircase. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

The steel ceiling is carried into the living space warmed by a fireplace. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the eat-in kitchen with an abundant amount of natural light. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

The dining area features a breathtaking view of the ocean. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

The kitchen includes an elongated island with a raised eating bar. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

The beach house also boasts expansive decks with stunning views. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

This deck has glass railings and unobstructed views of the ocean. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors provide a seamless indoor-outdoor living. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

Glass panels in the balcony and staircase give the house a harmonious design. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

A striking wood-paneled accent wall adds texture to the primary bedroom. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

The primary suite includes a sitting area and a private deck with impressive views. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

The primary bathroom is well equipped with double sinks, a freestanding tub, and a walk-in shower. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

The balcony offers a pair of loungers perfect for relaxing while enjoying views. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

A spa in this deck provides luxury entertainment. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

Sitting room with comfy cushioned seats and easy access to the bathroom and outdoors. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

This bedroom has a wooden custom bed complemented with a red armchair. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

The bespoke bed is mirrored in this bedroom. It includes a wall-mounted TV and expansive ocean views. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

This bathroom offers a single sink vanity, a toilet, and a tub and shower combo enclosed in sliding glass doors. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

Home theatre with velvet tufted couches, a wooden coffee table, and a large screen. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

A majestic view of the ocean that can be seen from every room of the beach house. Image courtesy of Toptenrealestatedeals.com.

All photos are used with permission from TopTenRealEstateDeals.com

Koenig’s final project was an exquisite oceanfront home along the Malibu coast. Known as the “Koenig Beach House,” the striking modern has been listed for sale at $17.85 million. The 3,600-square-foot home reflects the quintessential modern aesthetic, with the same stark lines and floor-to-ceiling glass that make the Stahl House so memorable.

The glass walls provide every room with breathtaking views from Broad Beach to Point Dume and let in tons of natural light. Creamy walls with chrome and blonde wood accents contribute to the crisp, minimalist look, while sliding glass doors offer seamless indoor/outdoor living. A steel central staircase connects the floors in style.

The three-story, four-bed, four-bath home is only a few feet from the Pacific shore. Multiple steel-and-glass decks offer plenty of options for entertaining, including an oversized spa where guests can relax while looking out at the waves, as well as a retractable staircase leading down to the sand. The charming kitchen features an island with bar seating and the living room includes a fireplace.

A gym, home theatre, and garage with a car lift complete the luxury estate. Designed to be eco-friendly, the home is solar powered and features the Control 4 smart home system. Cyprus and palm trees surround the home, offering privacy and serenity. Should the residents tire of pristine beaches, nearby options for entertainment include the famous Paradise Cove Beach Cafe and the Malibu Riding and Tennis Club.

Malibu is, as it says on the signs, “21 miles of scenic beauty” along the coast of California just west of Los Angeles. Formerly a sleepy beach town whose residents rode horses along the curbless streets, it has seen the development of spectacular mansions and upscale shops in recent years.

Offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city but close enough to commute, Malibu is extremely popular with celebrities. Just a few of its notable residents who have or had homes in Malibu include Leonardo DiCaprio, Miley Cyrus, Jack Nicholson, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and Cher.

The listing is held by Sandro Dazzan of The Agency

Photos Courtesy: The Agency

Photos By: Simon Berlyn

Source: sandrodazzan.com