
Saturday, March 7, 2026; 1:00-3:00PM Pacific in Studio City
Join SAH/SCC for a very special afternoon talk and tour at the Grossman House (1964) by Raphael Soriano, FAIA. SAH/SCC Life and Patron Members get first access to tickets; the event will be open to general membership if space is available (there are only 20 spaces available). Dubbed “El Paradiso” by Grossman because of its easy upkeep, it’s the only existing all-aluminum house by Soriano. Architect Linda Brettler, AIA, embarked on a renovation in the spirit of the original, transforming it into a home and architecture studio for herself. Long-time SAH/SCC members may remember the home from our 2003 tour of Soriano’s houses.
Working from original blueprints, Brettler updated the 1964, 3,800-square-foot house to return it to its ideal state, while reworking inappropriate earlier revisions. Extensive structural work was done due to benign neglect. Situated on an oblong lot in the hills above Studio City, the house’s perpendicular orientation and flowing functional floor plan allow for privacy and views from all rooms.
One of the more unusual aspects of the open-plan layout is that areas are separated by cabinetry rather than walls. These floating cabinets made from Micarta (an early form of high-pressure laminate) are designed to reflect the purpose and proportions of a room’s use. Brettler conducted an exacting restoration of the original cabinets.
Only the third owner, Brettler “inherited” much of the original Grossman furnishing, augmenting them with period-appropriate additions. Secondary lighting and LED replacements update the home, as do the addition of electric shades, new appliances and plumbing fixtures, and cork flooring. Original laminates, terrazzo, and cork walls were rehabbed with care.
Original product samples and the Grossman’s scrapbook documenting the home is an added bonus for tour-goers to view the original process.
Soriano Revisited—Saturday, March 7, 2026; 1-3 PM Pacific. Studio City, CA. $30, SAH/SCC Members; $40, non-members. Advance tickets required. Go to www.sahscc.org and pay via PayPal; or mail in order form with check. Confirmation and address sent upon registration.
