Frederic Slavin House / Richard Neutra | Classics On Architecture Lab

Architects: Richard Neutra, John Blanton
Year: 1956
Client: Frederic Slavin
Location: Santa Barbara, CA

The Frederic Slavin House, a residential building designed by Richard Neutra in 1956, is a significant architectural landmark in Santa Barbara, CA. The long rectangular structure dramatically rises from its steep hillside lot, offering a striking visual presence. Visitors access the house via a path beneath the house, leading to a front door flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows. Inside, a staircase ascends to the main living area, enhancing the spatial experience. Neutra’s design features continuous glass windows for panoramic views while maintaining privacy. The façade is distinguished by a break where the kitchen volume is recessed, highlighted by a spider leg design. Neutra and architect John Blanton devised solutions for the Slavins’ large family to ensure neat and quiet public spaces, including a glass door mechanism to separate kitchen noise from living areas. Technological advancements included placing all fluorescent lighting ballasts in the basement to eliminate fixture hum.

Julius Shulman photography archive, 1936-1997 — Frederic Slavin House, Julius Shulman Photography Archive, 1936-1997

The Frederic Slavin House, designed by Richard Neutra in 1956, is a notable residential building in Santa Barbara, CA. The long rectangular structure rises from its steep hillside lot, creating a striking visual impact. Visitors enter the house via a path that leads beneath the house to a front door flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows. Inside, a staircase ascends to the main living area, enhancing the spatial experience. Neutra’s strategic placement of the entrance below the main floor allowed for uninterrupted glass windows along the façade, maintaining the family’s privacy. The façade is characterized by a break where the kitchen volume is recessed, accentuated by a spider leg design. Neutra and architect John Blanton incorporated solutions for the Slavins’ large family to ensure neat and quiet public spaces, such as a glass door mechanism to separate kitchen noise from living areas. Technological advancements included placing all fluorescent lighting ballasts in the basement to avoid fixture hum.

Richard Neutra, an influential mid-century modern architect, was renowned for his work with wealthy clients. His designs were tranquil and graceful, contrasting with his often temperamental personality. Neutra’s reputation for being overbearing and demanding did not overshadow his architectural genius. His work has gained renewed appreciation and preservation in recent years.

Austrian American architect Richard Neutra. Vienna. 1969. Photograph by Nora Schuster

A fire in May 2021 caused significant damage to the Frederic Slavin House, drawing attention to the challenges of preserving mid-century modern architecture. Efforts to restore the house highlight the ongoing value and importance of Neutra’s contributions to architectural history.