Harry Gesner, Surf-Loving Adventurer & Modernist Master



Harry Gesner — the surf-loving adventurer and modernist architect who designed some of the most idiosyncratic houses in LA died in his home in Malibu this June (2022) at 97. If you’re interested in LA architecture, the obits in the New York Times and Los Angeles Times are really worth reading. 

ABOVE: Kimball House, built 1957 Tarzana Photo: Juergen Nogai

Gesner sketched his most famous house while bobbing on his long board in front of the secluded cove that would be its site in Malibu. Set on the secluded beach, the “Wave House” resembles a cresting wave, sea birds, and ship bows, somehow simultaneously. The copper shingles on its vaulted roof are reminiscent of fish scales. Many say the design inspired the Sydney Opera House.

BELOW: Wave House built 1957, Malibu Photo: Steven Lippman, Juergen Nogai


LA Times writer Carolina A. Miranda says of Gesner’s soaring designs that they, “...seem to draw their shape from the swells of the Pacific Ocean and the wooded peaks of the Santa Monica Mountains.”


ABOVE/BELOW: Eagle’s Watch, built in 1957, rebuilt in 1997 Malibu - Photos: Steven Lippman


Gesner was inspired by SoCal’s dramatic landscape and took delight in building where others said it wasn’t possible. BELOW: The Boathouses 1959 Hollywood Hills




Gesner did not have a degree and for years worked without a license. He trained by working as a carpenter and sitting in on lectures by Frank Loyd Wright at Yale, following a D-Day landing and a combat injury at the Battle of the Bulge.

BELOW: Sandcastle House 1970 Malibu / The Sandcastle Interior. Photo: Stephanie Diani




Gesner used sustainable materials before it was cool and in the ‘90s converted his ‘59 Mercedes 190 SL into an electric car. He had 3 patents for a system to turn solid waste into fuel, and worked on designs for concrete and wood structures engineered for extreme weather. 




Harry Gesner 2012, Photo: Steven Lippman

His houses “...straddled canyons, perched over beaches and cantilevered from cliffs,” writes NYT’s writer Penelope Green.

The man was as amazing as his work!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Paul Revere Williams shaped much of the LA landscape I love

Image
Following up on my previous Paul Revere Williams posts with more exteriors of some of his stunning houses. Williams designed homes for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, Barbara Stanwyck, William Holden, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz -- mastering a wide range of styles to accommodate his customers, including: Spanish Revival, Modern, Tudor, Colonial, and French Chateau and Normandy, all of which helped shape much of the LA landscape I love. At the outset of his career, a teacher tried to convince Williams not to pursue a career in architecture because the white patrons of Southern California wouldn’t hire him and the Black community wouldn’t be able to provide enough work for him. Williams overcame innumerous obstacles to become one of the most prolific architects in America and pave the way for other architects of color. Photo Breakdown: 1. William Banning Residence, Hancock Park, 1929 (photo: Alex Elliot) 2. Bachman Residence, S. Hudson St., Hancock Park, 1927 (photo: ?) 3. Alfred...
Read more

Christmas Tamales / Courtesy of The Los Angeles Times: https://www.latimes.com/recipe/early-christmas-tamales

Image
  Early Christmas Tamales Adapted from a recipe by chef Wes Avila. Courtesy of The Los Angeles Times : https://www.latimes.com/recipe/early-christmas-tamales Ingredients: About 20 corn husks 1 (2- to 4-pound) butternut squash 1 tablespoon oil 1 pound tomatillo milperos, peeled and washed well 1⁄2 pound Roma tomatoes, halved 2 guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed 1 pasilla chile, stems and seeds removed 4 chiles de arbol, stems and seeds removed 1 bay leaf 1⁄2 head garlic 1⁄2 cup sesame seeds 1 tablespoon sh...
Read more