Widely recognized for his work in Los Angeles, architect R.M. Schindler designed two projects in San Diego County – La Jolla’s Pueblo Ribera Courts (1922-1930) and the Carlton Park Ranch House (1923-26) in Fallbrook.
Carlton Park House (1923-26)
Fallbrook, CA
Schindler’s Carlton Park House, designed between 1923-1926, was one of only a few by Schindler to utilize his "slab tilt" construction also found at Pueblo Ribera Courts, Kings Road House, Howe House (1926) and Manola Court Apartments. According to writer M. Vallen, “Schindler rarely considered the same architectural language twice during his career. However, he did on occasion rely on prior experience to further an architectural idea. For his client, The Lovells, he built an almost exact replica of his Kings Road House in Fallbrook, California…” The farm house was partially or completely destroyed by fire in the late 1960s by a renter.
The Carlton Park House, has been attributed to Dr. Philip Lovell as the client -- as the house came about shortly after Schindler designed a beach house (1922-26) and cabin in Wrightwood (1924-25) for Dr. Philip Lovell. And shortly after Carlton Park House was completed, Lovell would hire Richard Neutra to design the infamous Lovell Health House (1927-29). In addition to both Richard Neutra and Esther McCoy visiting the site, sharing photographs and commenting on the house years after its completion, an interview with the Lovells, in 1958, there is a comment about "the Fallbrook house gone 20 years.” Also of note, in correspondence “Mr. Park was wondering if Mr. Schindler and "the Dr." would be visiting from Los Angeles.” While these are inferences, it is known that Carlton Park corresponded with Schindler about the design, siting and construction - specifically the forms for the concrete walls - so he may have been a builder, client and owner rather than a Schindler - Lovell client relationship regarding this project.
Pueblo Ribera Courts (1922-1930)
230 Gravilla Street
234 Gravilla Street
238 Gravilla Street
242 Gravilla Street
246 Gravilla Street
248 Gravilla Street
235 Playa Del Sur
305 Playa Del Sur
309 Playa Del Sur
“Built as a vacation settlement in La Jolla, Pueblo Ribera Courts is one of Schindler’s larger projects. Cost efficiency was an important factor in the design of the conventional beach shack. The owner wanted twelve houses with garages and private patios looking out toward the Pacific Ocean. Schindler tackled the creation of an organic whole through the arrangement of identical units. He was able to establish individual character in each of the units through their positioning in relation to the next. Schindler explored the materials of concrete and redwood in Pueblo Ribera, much like he did in his other 1920s projects including the Kings Road House. Concrete is used for the wall enclosures and slab that also acts as the finished floor. The sloping site, however, proved difficult for pouring and erecting the concrete walls. This was the first project that Schindler had to develop a new construction system for, using movable formwork that could later be incorporated into the structural system of the building. Each of the Pueblo Ribera units is U-shaped in plan and equipped with a small kitchen and bedroom. A public alley connects the garages. An exterior court for each of the houses was considered necessary in order to accommodate outdoor activities. Privacy for these exterior spaces was also important since they are located in front of the living room. On the other side of the living room, clerestory windows located right below the ceiling provide plenty of light and ventilation. The roof terrace with its own fireplace is accessible by a small stair. Since they have been built, the courts have been altered due to partial destruction by fire.” Courtesy of the MAK Center.
Schlessinger, Residence for Mr. & Mrs. Phil J. (1952-54)
1901 Myra Avenue, Los Angeles
As an Associate in architect Sim Bruce Richards office (1953-55) John Reed completed RM Schindler’s Schlessinger House (1952) “…Schindler's final complete design, realized the year before his death,” Reed helped the client, a philosophy professor at Los Angeles City College, finalize Schindler’s drawings into a more structurally sound, potentially longer-lasting home between 1953-54.
Sign up for our newsletter and get exclusive content from Modern San Diego.
