Architect John Galbraith designed the contemporary style house for Paul A. and Caryl Cox in 1959. Nicknamed the “Tree House” for the giant conifer tree that rises between the beams of its front entryway, the Cox House is a striking Mid-Century Modern residence that literally embraces the natural environment. The residence is a wonderful example of the interpretation and evolution of modernism in Southern California.

The Cox House draws from the Miesian tradition of architecture, which uses simple geometric forms to emphasize horizontality and transparency. The building is a simple, one-story pavilion, with alternating expanses of glass and stone exterior walls. One long, horizontal beam stretches across the entire front façade at the roofline, while individual bays step backward and forward, creating a strong visual rhythm. Rooms lined with floor-to-ceiling windows stand adjacent to recessed patios, blurring the relationship between indoor and outdoor space – a hallmark of California modernism.

Educated at the University of Washington, Seattle, John Galbraith was a Pasadena-based architect who designed a number of institutional, commercial and residential buildings. The Cox House is one of his finest designs and a small gem in South Pasadena’s Arroyo, celebrating European architectural traditions while creating something entirely regional with its natural materials and forms.

-Notes taken from Modern Architecture in L.A.; Los Angeles Conservancy

The Cox House is located at 534 Arroyo Drive in South Pasadena, California. Please do not use this image in any media without my permission. © All rights reserved.

Tags:   John Galbraith Cox House Michael Locke Michael Locke, Photographer Michael Locke, Realtor South Pasadena Architecture South Pasadena Treasures of Los Angeles Architecture San Gabriel Valley Architecture

© All Rights Reserved

Architect John Galbraith designed the contemporary style house for Paul A. and Caryl Cox in 1959. Nicknamed the “Tree House” for the giant conifer tree that rises between the beams of its front entryway, the Cox House is a striking Mid-Century Modern residence that literally embraces the natural environment. The residence is a wonderful example of the interpretation and evolution of modernism in Southern California.

The Cox House draws from the Miesian tradition of architecture, which uses simple geometric forms to emphasize horizontality and transparency. The building is a simple, one-story pavilion, with alternating expanses of glass and stone exterior walls. One long, horizontal beam stretches across the entire front façade at the roofline, while individual bays step backward and forward, creating a strong visual rhythm. Rooms lined with floor-to-ceiling windows stand adjacent to recessed patios, blurring the relationship between indoor and outdoor space – a hallmark of California modernism.

Educated at the University of Washington, Seattle, John Galbraith was a Pasadena-based architect who designed a number of institutional, commercial and residential buildings. The Cox House is one of his finest designs and a small gem in South Pasadena’s Arroyo, celebrating European architectural traditions while creating something entirely regional with its natural materials and forms.

-Notes taken from Modern Architecture in L.A.; Los Angeles Conservancy

The Cox House is located at 534 Arroyo Drive in South Pasadena, California. Please do not use this image in any media without my permission. © All rights reserved.

Tags:   John Galbraith Cox House Michael Locke Michael Locke, Photographer Michael Locke, Realtor South Pasadena Architecture South Pasadena Treasures of Los Angeles Architecture San Gabriel Valley Architecture

© All Rights Reserved

Architect John Galbraith designed the contemporary style home in 1963. The 4-bedroom, 4-bath home in 8500 sq. ft. is currently (November 2016) on the market listed for sale for $6.7M and described in the listing as "An architectural connoisseur's dream on nine parcels totaling 12+ acres. In addition to the main house there is a 2500 sq.ft. pool house with sunken living room, fireplace, kitchen, bathroom with full size sauna and dressing area.

Completely private, gated and secluded with spectacular views of Los Angeles to Century City and beyond. With your own private tennis court, golf putting green and oversized swimming pool this property is resort style living at its finest".

Educated at the University of Washington, John Galbraith was a Pasadena-based architect who designed a number of institutional, commercial and residential buildings. Located in Pasadena, California. Please do not use this image in any media without my permission. © All rights reserved.

Tags:   Michael Locke Michael Locke, Photographer Michael Locke, Realtor Pasadena Architecture Pasadena Pasadena Heritage

© All Rights Reserved

Architect John Galbraith designed the contemporary style home in 1963. The 4-bedroom, 4-bath home in 8500 sq. ft. is currently (November 2016) on the market listed for sale for $6.7M and described in the listing as "An architectural connoisseur's dream on nine parcels totaling 12+ acres. In addition to the main house there is a 2500 sq.ft. pool house with sunken living room, fireplace, kitchen, bathroom with full size sauna and dressing area.

Completely private, gated and secluded with spectacular views of Los Angeles to Century City and beyond. With your own private tennis court, golf putting green and oversized swimming pool this property is resort style living at its finest".

Educated at the University of Washington, John Galbraith was a Pasadena-based architect who designed a number of institutional, commercial and residential buildings. Located in Pasadena, California. Please do not use this image in any media without my permission. © All rights reserved.

Tags:   Michael Locke Michael Locke, Photographer Michael Locke, Realtor Pasadena Architecture Pasadena Pasadena Heritage

© All Rights Reserved

Architect John Galbraith designed the contemporary style home in 1963. The 4-bedroom, 4-bath home in 8500 sq. ft. is currently (November 2016) on the market listed for sale for $6.7M and described in the listing as "An architectural connoisseur's dream on nine parcels totaling 12+ acres. In addition to the main house there is a 2500 sq.ft. pool house with sunken living room, fireplace, kitchen, bathroom with full size sauna and dressing area.

Completely private, gated and secluded with spectacular views of Los Angeles to Century City and beyond. With your own private tennis court, golf putting green and oversized swimming pool this property is resort style living at its finest".

Educated at the University of Washington, John Galbraith was a Pasadena-based architect who designed a number of institutional, commercial and residential buildings. Located at 2147 Villa Heights Road in Pasadena, California. Please do not use this image in any media without my permission. © All rights reserved.

Tags:   Michael Locke Michael Locke, Photographer Michael Locke, Realtor Pasadena Architecture Pasadena Pasadena Heritage

© All Rights Reserved