Tolstoy House by John Lautner. Complete overview and walkthrough

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The Tolstoy House is one of the least know and strangest designs by John Lautner. It has a unique construction with steel cables and is a fine example of organic architecture. I made this reconstruction with photos found on the internet and my own drawings. To preserve the legacy of John Lautner and to enjoy the beauty of his work.

[@maverickflint1991]

Love the small built in dining room table.❤️

[@maverickflint1991]

Love the elevated sitting area, and the open kitchen kitchen.😊❤️

[@maverickflint1991]

I love the inside area of the home and the way the pool was made.❤️

[@jeffbangkok]

In the late 70's I was interested in earth sheltered homes due to the energy conservation and had the plans for one. Then the high interest rates of 1980 hit and never got to do it. Now I live in Bangkok and have a small farm in the country where we think about vegetative coverings. This house has many great ideas. Hope they save it.

[@SuperJobbel]

Yes this house is a perfect example of good vegetative coverings. I hope that through my video this house, will get more attention.

[@966396631]

What a masterpiece! So creative. He had such a broad range of design. And what a perfect candidate for restoration by a patron with good taste and vision!

[@SuperJobbel]

Yes I agree with you. Somebody should restore this house into ti's full glory.

[@maverickflint1991]

The guest house is laid out very well.👍

[@maverickflint1991]

The master bedroom and bath are laid out very well as well as the 2nd bedroom and bathroom.😊👍

[@ronaldwinker2197]

It would be a shame to destroy this property. Thank you for sharing. I agree the smaller pool maintains architectural integrity. Hopefully, this house will be saved.

[@SuperJobbel]

Yes, if I owned the property I would reinstall the circular pool. I hope it will save to.

[@jlworrad]

I get the impression the design was inspired by a guitar, what with the iron 'strings' stretched over the site. When you mentioned it originally had a recording studio the thought just clicked in my head.

[@SuperJobbel]

okay very interesting! I never would come up with that association, But now you mentioned it, I can see it! Together with the recording studio I don't know wether the similarity is just coinscedence or not, but still a great idea.

[@jlworrad]

@@SuperJobbel Thanks for all your videos by the way. I'd never known about Lautner before. I've learned a lot!

[@SuperJobbel]

@@jlworrad Yes check the other videos he's truly a brilliant architect. More videos coming up.

[@Brad772006]

Oh wow I just found your channel. A channel dedicated to Lautner. I my humble opinion Lautner is underrated in terms of his work along with his name. So many people have seen this man's work but do not associate it with the architect. Some of the most beautiful designs ever cast in concrete. I will definitely be checking out every video on your channel. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@SuperJobbel]

You're welcome!! Thank you for admiration :) I love the works by John Lautner, each house is unique and brilliant. And yes his works are underrated. I love to make this videos and share his designs with other people. I started the channeld because there was very little information available about his houses. My goal is to make a video about every important house by Lautner. I have still 11 videos to go.

[@adjax7473]

Totally agree. He’s my favourite architect.

[@SuperJobbel]

After a few months in which I had it very busy with my job and private life, the channel is starting again with new videos! A new video about Fallingwater by F.L Wright is just available, after this more videos about the works by Lautner and Wright will come up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHTNcoF5oM2Zfqs Enjoy!

[@briansmith9439]

The main builder was John de la Vaux (1912-2018) who also built 6 other Lautner houses including the Chemosphere.

[@SuperJobbel]

You're absolutely right. John de la Vaux was a major contributor to John Lautner's body of work. He helped building the walls and the steel cables. The Tolstoy family built the rest of the house by themselves.

[@twistoffate4791]

@Brian Smith, thank you for that information.

[@GGLD888]

Thx for the info

[@maverickflint1991]

That is a very different home that was built but I love it alot.😊👍

[@styleden22]

Rancho Cucamonga is also the location of the Sam Maloof home and workshop. Maloof was a famous furniture maker and his house is quite interesting. It would be nice if the Tolstoy house could be saved and opened to the public. Having two great homes in Rancho Cucamonga could be a big draw.

[@Selina42]

Wow! WOWOWOW!!!! I'd never heard of this one - what a treat! Amazing research and presentation - as always, absolutely loving everything you're doing here!

[@SuperJobbel]

Its my goal with this channel to show also the unknown designs by Lautner.

[@mender95gmail]

another great video.

[@SuperJobbel]

The channel is starting again with new videos. A new video about Fallingwater by F.L Wright is just available, after this more videos about the works by Lautner and Wright will come up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHTNcoF5oM2Zfqs

[@Brian-os9qj]

So unusual and strangely useful. Thx for doing this

[@SuperJobbel]

You're welcome I love unusual architecture and I love the works by John Lautner. Stay tuned becuase more videos will come up.

[@maverickflint1991]

Another great video.😊👍

[@SuperJobbel]

Thank you! More videos coming your way.

[@tonijacobs7132]

The Tolstoys were as wonderful and unique as their home.... fascinating people. They were so sad to leave it and would be rolling in their graves if they knew it was deteriorating. I do hope something is done to save it.

[@SuperJobbel]

O great that you knew the Tolstoy family in person. And yes the house should be renovated soon.

[@eladyihie2502]

תודה תודה, כרגיל אחלה וידאו מובא בצורה קלילה ומוסבר היטב, עם התוכן הנםלא של ג'ון לאוטנר שאפו גדול....

[@SuperJobbel]

אתה מוזמן, סרטונים נוספים יגיעו! :)

[@eladyihie2502]

מחכה בקוצר רוח.....

[@mlbreel]

Save the Tolstoy house!!! Thank you again Brother for bringing this JL masterpiece to our attention! I pray it will not be lost to mediocre and mundane money making interests!

[@SuperJobbel]

You're wecome! Yes I also hope it will be restored in its full glory. :)

[@maverickflint1991]

Brings sunlight into the front of the house and keeps the heat of the sun off the inside of the home.👍

[@SuperJobbel]

Yes, it can become very hot in the desert.

[@giftprincessgoden07]

Amazing. When I visit my aunt again in Fontana (beside Rancho Cucamonga), we will try to visit this place!

[@SuperJobbel]

Youd should do! The road towards the house is named after it: Tolstoy Road.

[@giftprincessgoden07]

@@SuperJobbel have you visited his creations? Never realize he did a lot here in southern California

[@GGLD888]

GENIUS!!!

[@SuperJobbel]

Absolutely! :)

[@StrangeHistoryX]

Please always know much your hard work on these videos are appreciated. Excellent work!!! I’m so glad I found your amazing channel.

[@SuperJobbel]

Wow great to hear, that you appirciate my videos so much. Thank You! I will keep on making these videos although it's a lot of hard work.

[@SuperJobbel]

The channel is starting again with new videos. A new video about Fallingwater by F.L Wright is just available, after this more videos about the works by Lautner and Wright will come up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHTNcoF5oM2Zfqs A second video about Neutra's Kaufmann house will be uploaded soon :)

[@Brian-nt1hh]

Very interesting ideas brought to an unusual edifice that has applications where I live. Florida that is.

[@SuperJobbel]

This house suits the Florida climate very well. I live in the Netherlands, this house is suitable for that climate.

[@grantwatson9232]

WOW didn't even know this one existed, at the beginning, I thought that even a master can make mistakes, but have to admit the true cleverness was revealed in the end. It really is a one off idea that I don't think I've seen anywhere before and deserves saving. Does anyone know how much it actually is? Maybe give James Goldstein or Kelly Lynch a call and let them know? As always well done on your research and presentation. Not sure how you keep finding these gems, but it is very exciting to see a notification of new content on your channel! Thanks again. G

[@SuperJobbel]

Yes, I hope that this unique house is going to be maintained by some architecture lover, but unfortunately I don't have the phone number of Kelly Lynch of mr. Goldstein. John Lautner's work is full of surprises so more videos about unknown gems will come up

[@mikerieger3838]

I love John Lautner's work he's a very Creator man I love his work

[@Fuff63]

I think this concept might make a better botanical garden, art gallery, or visitors center or something…more than a private home. Too many bugs - especially at night man. But that’s just me. That being said, this is really brilliant thinking. I enjoy the way this architect dreams and gets me thinking differently. That’s the most important thing. Cheers.

[@SuperJobbel]

Okay, an art gallery or a restaurant is also a great option for this house, i dodn't how many bugs there are in the desert. And yes it's indeed a very different thinking designed home! Good to hear that you liked the video so much.

[@attichatchsound-bobkowal5328]

I've been hoping to see you show this house, thank you! I wonder if there is any special maintenance regarding the cables - whether they need to be adjusted as time goes by . . .

[@SuperJobbel]

Ehm... I don't know wether those cables have to be adjusted or not. I don't think so , because they are very thick. In the hot and dy desert climate they rust not so fast. Once in a few decades they have to replaced however. Great to hear that you was waiting for this house, because not so many people this design. Its a very unknown Lautner design.

[@SuperJobbel]

The channel is starting again with new videos. A new video about Fallingwater by F.L Wright is just available, after this more videos about the works by Lautner and Wright will come up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHTNcoF5oM2Zfqs

[@Toodle.Pipp001]

Let's hope this architectural gem is saved and the owner's aren't tempted to sell out to developers.

[@SuperJobbel]

Yes, I will hope they watch this video. ;) !

[@sharksport01]

It reminds me of the concrete forms with cheese holes we played on in the school playground.

[@SuperJobbel]

Hahaha....I didn't have those in school! So I doesn't remind of that, but funny that everyone has his own association with the design.

[@csymindspring]

A great design. It would be spectacular if it got a proper restoration....needs a good deal of work.

[@SuperJobbel]

Yes hopefully it will be restored someday because it deserved to be preserved.

[@milootje007]

Another one unknown by me! Great work as always Jop, much appreciated! These people need to invest in some better furniture though 😂

[@SuperJobbel]

Graag gedaan! .... And yes, I agree with you, the house needs an interior designer to restyle the interior..... :)

[@michaelnong9711]

Could you let me know the named of background music melody? Dear author!

[@SuperJobbel]

Hey dear viewer ;) The names of the sogns that I used for this video are: ''Lucky Morning free guitar music'' kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIKyeGyoZd6kZqM ''Almost Heaven'' kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpfGZ2CPaLSfapo and Burning Flame slow country music kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHeXmXuIh8t8pZo So it were actually three songs in the background!

[@michaelnong9711]

@@SuperJobbel Thank you, the pressure in mine :)

[@maverickflint1991]

Could be a B&B and also have wedding venues there. 👍

[@SuperJobbel]

That's a good idea of yours! I think the house is more suitable for weddings and guests, because it exist of multiple segregated livingspaces.

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

Do the Hyde house in Crystal River

[@SuperJobbel]

Maybe I'll do it some day. But i'm now busy with another 10 different houses. So first I'll do those. Each video takes a lot of time.

[@ejp6710]

The outside design seems more successful then the inside.

[@SuperJobbel]

Yes the inside is a little bit dated nowadays. It needs a renovation.

[@jacquesmertens3369]

Bedankt om dit te delen. Ik ben blij dat het voor 1 keer géén rechte lijnen zijn, maar mooi is het resultaat niet. Tip: misschien eens dat steenkolen-Engels ondertitelen.

[@SuperJobbel]

Graag gedaan! De meeste huizen van John Lautner hebben geen rechte lijnen, kijk maar naar m'n andere videos. Ik ben bezig aan het maken van een docuementaire over Launer, die ga ik zeker ondertitelen. Ik heb ervoor gekozen om deze films niet te ondertitelen omdat de titels dan over de tekeningen komen en de details op de tekeningen en foto's niet meer goed zichtbaar zijn. Haha! Is m'n trouwens echt zo slecht?

[@jacquesmertens3369]

@@SuperJobbel Omdat ik zelf geen video's maak weet ik niet helemaal hoe het werkt, maar ondertitels zijn toch optioneel? Die kan je aan- en afzetten. Dus als het iemand zou storen dan zet hij/zij die gewoon af. De ondertitels die je automatisch door KZbin kan laten genereren bevatten weinig fouten, dus volgens KZbin valt het goed mee met je accent (en volgens mij ook hoor). Grammaticale fouten/taalfouten kan je vermijden door de tekst vooraf te laten nalezen door een Engelstalige. Zo sluiten de video's beter aan bij het doelpubliek. Ik ga nu de rest van jouw video's bekijken. Ze zijn erg boeiend. Dank daarvoor.

[@SuperJobbel]

@@jacquesmertens3369 okay ja ik zie het nu ook, je kan het idd ook uitzetten. Voor mijn volgende video over het Fallibgwater House van F. L Wright ga ik ondertiteling doen. Misschien dat ik later alle films van ondertiteling ga voorzien. Bedankt!

[@SuperJobbel]

ik ben weer begonnen met het maken van nieuwe videos. De eerste video over het Fallingwater huis van F.L Wright is inmiddels beschikbaar. Met 40 minuten is een lange video geworden, maar deze video laat alles zien over het huis: geschiedenis, constructie en complete doorloop van het interieur. Na deze video komen weer meer videos over de werken van Lautner en Wright. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHTNcoF5oM2Zfqs

[@buzzkincaid5521]

More like a pavilion, an experiment, I would like to rake the gravel, and add a few large smooth rocks, a Japanese element. The desert 🌵 is hostile environment, this success of a vine canopy works.

[@SuperJobbel]

Yes, its indeed like a pavillion. And I love Japanese Gardens so for me it would be a great choice to add a Japanese Garden to the house

[@swoondrones]

Oh, no! Kerp the house!

[@badapple65]

I love the design but not the exposed materials. A nicer wood for cabinets and ceiling and a better finish on interior cement walls would be my preference. I rarely criticize any of these mid century designs.

[@SuperJobbel]

Yes, the house needs some restoration and refurbishing. A change of materials would be a great idea.

[@thepolitewierdo]

Chris Martin from Coldplay bought this house and demolished it without permission. 😢

[@SuperJobbel]

Are you sure? Maybe you're right but as far as I know, only the Garwood house was owned by Chris Martin and demolished. I made a video about that house: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6Canmp7r9Orj6s

[@thepolitewierdo]

@@SuperJobbel I’m totally wrong! You’re right, it was the Garwood house. That’s my mistake. 😊 (I just watched your other video. I definitely should have watched it before making a dumb, uninformed comment. Lol) A shame it’s gone.

[@SuperJobbel]

Yes I already thoug so, the Tolstoy House is still existing today. The Garwood House was also a nice house, sad it's demolished. @@thepolitewierdo

[@justthink5854]

flat site so he makes int level changes?? makes no sense.

[@SuperJobbel]

Maybe it doens't make any sense, but still it's beatifull!

[@justthink5854]

@@SuperJobbel in a photo. the medium is the message. remember it's a small space. check out my idea of the cheapest/best structure.

[@Brian-os9qj]

A cup of tea doesn’t interest some people, they want coffee only. Variety is not boring that is initiated by the architectural design of JL

[@joegotz1971]

Nice concept but not very livable. But very interesting. How many clients are there to like this house? If i did this house I think the wife would shoot me.

[@SuperJobbel]

Yes, this house is not everybodies favorite. As far there is only one client for this house, because thereare no other similar homes. I like the house a bit, but I don't think it's worth to be shot by your wife for it ;) haha

[@iwrk]

Not practical. It look's like something he drew out of boredom, low budget.

[@rabooey]

Ew. Yuck. What a nasty house. Hands-down my least favorite Lautner house.

[@SuperJobbel]

Yes, it's not for everybody. It's a matter of taste, of course. Everyone has it's least favorite house by Lautner and even a brilliant archtiect like him can not always please everyone.

[@woweltiburon]

Interesting House, Bad Video. Using old drawings that don't match the pictures, confuses, at least me.

[@justthink5854]

really?. the sketches really help explain what's going on. i doubt if you could read construction docs.