Richard Neutra’s Kaufmann House

Richard Neutra's Kaufmann House: 

I would say that from the first approach, the architecture Kaufmann House seams to be a copy of the iconic Falling Water House made by Wright or even a big resemblance to the well known Barcelona Pavilion by Mies Van Der Rohe. 

However, if we look further in the history of this architecture and the plans Neutra had for this house, we understand the design of it. 

First of all, I believe that the location has a big impact on the design. The desert near Palm Springs city is a big challenge and as he said he wanted the architecture to be "inserted" and "not grown" in the landscape. Because, it offers a big view over the valley and closing the house would be a mistake in terms of integration of the space in the nature. Moreover, the location gave to the house its special name "desert house".

Second of all, I think that it was not only a matter of location but also a matter of culture. There, in between New Mexico and Arizona the houses have a very special design according to the rough weather. For instance, the flat roof houses or the mud-brick houses. 

Therefore, in my point of view, I think that this house was a combination of different circumstances and elements rather than a copy of two well known architectures. 

Besides, as we can see in the pictures and plans the nature around the house is very important. We can even imagine the architecture being a rock surrounded by its plants. The house is part of the landscape and follows the idea of integrated architecture. 

Therefore, Neutra created thanks to the materials (wood, glass and stone) and the shapes an iconic and atypical architecture that respects the landscape and makes the owners feel part of the nature. 

And to me, this architecture built in 1946 is a revolution in terms of design due to the combination of nature, user and traditions. 

Léa Blanchard