The Kettal VDL Pavilion is a timeless homage to Richard Neutra’s legacy, merging contemporary construction with his iconic design principles to create spaces that nurture the body and mind.
In a celebration of architectural legacy, Kettal presents a striking and meticulous replica of the 1963 penthouse pavilion atop the VDL Research House, the former Los Angeles residence of the renowned modernist architect Richard Neutra. This carefully executed reconstruction blends modern materials and construction techniques with the essence of Neutra’s original design, serving as a powerful tribute to Neutra’s visionary theories, including his commitment to biorealism—a philosophy that highlights the profound connection between architecture and human well-being.
The VDL Research House, originally constructed in 1932, holds a special place in architectural history as one of Richard Neutra’s most significant works. Commissioned by Dr. Van Der Leeuw (VDL), the VDL Research House was designed as a holistic living and working space. After a fire in 1963 destroyed the property, Neutra and his son Dion rebuilt the house, adding a solarium/atrium.
Under the guidance of Dion Neutra, Kettal’s replication of the masterpiece in 2024 updates the main structure with modern techniques while honouring the original architectural details. The pavilion’s most striking features include horizontal lines and wooden slats that extend 500mm beyond the structure. Richard Neutra himself referred to them in various texts: “Traditional Japanese architecture is horizontal; space is exclusively horizontal. Without a defined centre or axis, it extends as an aggregate of rooms of equal value, none of which is complete except in relation to the others. The space is flexible and transferable, without a fixed function. The use of the rooms varies over the course of the day and throughout the year.”
In addition to the structural elements, Kettal’s attention to functional beauty is evident in the pavilion’s design. Built-in furniture and carefully chosen materials merge seamlessly with the architecture. Meanwhile, large windows and open spaces foster a strong connection between interior and exterior, reinforcing Neutra’s belief that architecture should engage all the senses.
