Rodney Walker (d. 18 june 1986)
Modernism blossomed in the US in the early 1950s. The Case Study Houses are one of the most important American contributions to modernist architecture. The 36 low-cost, experimental houses designed as part of this program embodied the goals of a generation of modern architects who grew up in the optimistic years of the post-World War II “building boom”.
The architects of the Case Study Houses most closely approached the spirit of modernism with their industrial materials and building systems. The best known are the houses of steel and glass by Charles and Ray Eames, Craig Ellwood, Pierre Koenig and Raphael Soriano.
Photo: Scott Mayoral
Rodney Walker also designed three model houses as part of John Entenza’s program. In 1937, Rodney and his wife Dorothea built their first house in West Los Angeles. Soon after, he went to work for Rudolph M. Schindler as a draftsman. Over the next thirty years, Walker designed and built some 100 homes in Southern California. He designed numerous “case-study” homes, exploring the adaptability of new ideas in small houses. He was known for his ability to hold down construction costs.
Photo: Scott Mayoral
From 1958, Walker lived in the 4,300 square foot hilltop home in Ojai, California, that he had designed and built, and which he considered his masterpiece. It set on top of a low hill that had a breathtaking view of the Ojai Valley. Hexagon in shape, it was constructed of steel and glass. The exterior walls were totally made of glass to provide for an uninterrupted flow from the interior rooms to the outdoor living areas.
Photos: Scott Mayoral
About the Author:
Bruno Dursin – Managing Director at Believe in Steel. Bruno has more than 30 years of experience in promoting steel & steel solutions. His clients benefit from his extensive network within the building industry.
