Architect Richard Neutra designed the International Style Ninneman House in 1959; it was the second house he designed in the Padua Hills community of Claremont ,California, the first being the Hansch House in 1955. Neutra would have a strong influence on many of the other homes built in the community. A drive around the neighborhood reveals a significant number of homes that emulate the modernist architect's style.
As good fortune would have it, Argentine-born architect and Padua Hills resident Domingo Paglia, who worked in the Neutra office in the 1960's as one of Neutra's "collaborators" (a euphemism for Neutra's apprentices who received the honorary title in lieu of hard cash) was able to purchase the house when it went on the market in 1999. I had the pleasure of meeting the congenial architect at his home yesterday, who gave me a tour of the house.
"We bought it sight unseen", the 85-year old architect said." Paglia showed me drawings and photos of other houses he designed in Southern California and elsewhere. I went home and immediately looked up his name in the many architectural guidebooks and resources at my disposal and was quite surprised and disappointed to not find anything. I hope to be in touch with him again in the near future and learn more about his life and work.
The Ninneman House is located at 4218 Via Padova in the Padua Hills community of Claremont, California. Please do not use this image in any media without my permission. © All rights reserved.
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