28 September 2009

The Chemosphere

The Chemosphere (built by John Lautner in 1960 for $140,000) became home to book publisher Benedikt Taschen in 2000. At the time of Taschen's purchase, the property was in a state of serious disrepair. The Taschen family restored the home completely (even helicoptering in frameless window panes for installation).



Although Lautner wanted to name the building the Chapiteau,
it was christened "The Chemosphere" for promotional purposes since Chem-seal Corp. of America donated the materials (experimental epoxies, coatings, and resins) for construction. After inheriting the unbuildable land from his father-in-law, engineer Leonard Malin commissioned Lautner (a student of Frank Lloyd Wright) to tackle the landscape. The Chemosphere has been called the most modern home in the world. Some shots I snaked while working:


Tram we take to the house.


Living Room painting.


The Taschen 80s party, we made neon splatter painted anthuriums.


The Taschen 80s party again! Can you get any more 80s than birds of paradise in a purple swan?


The Taschen sponsored Animal dinner for Food and Wine Magazine.


The Taschen sponsored Animal dinner for Food and Wine Magazine.