Open Space | The Mildred Southall Studio and House, Rudolph M. Schindler 1938
The Mildred Southall Studio and House, designed by Rudolph Schindler in 1938, is a remarkable example of his pioneering in residential architecture. Located in Los Angeles, the home was commissioned by Mildred Southall, a music teacher and composer who needed both a living space and a functional music studio. Schindler designed the main living area to serve as both a family gathering space and a teaching environment, accommodating two grand pianos and instructional materials. To maximize views and natural light, he angled the studio and nursery at 45 degrees, showcasing his signature approach to spatial organization.
Working within a modest budget of $6,000, Schindler constructed the house primarily from plywood, marking his first use of an all-plywood design. The structure consists of interlocking rectangular volumes that extend from the hillside, creating a dynamic and layered composition. The intersection of these forms defines the dining and kitchen areas, while sliding partitions allow for a flexible interior layout. Marjory & Brendan of Ravenhill Studio stumbled upon the home by accident and have lived in the home since 2012 slowly restoring and updating the home throughout their ownership. The home was relatively unknown to the design/architecture community prior to Marjory and Brendan ownership as it was vacant for years by the previous owner who unfortunately left it withering away.
Southall reportedly had synesthesia, a condition where sensory perceptions intertwine—she associated the color green with an E-minor chord. This influenced the home's distinctive green palette, making the design deeply personal. The house’s open floor plan and extensive windows blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, reinforcing Schindler’s philosophy of integrating architecture with its natural surroundings. The Mildred Southall Studio and House stands as a testament to Schindler’s innovative use of materials, spatial composition, and sensitivity to the personal and artistic lives of its inhabitants. Thanks to Marjory and Brendan the home has now been a part of home tours and finally shared with the community.
