Architect Spotlight: Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen Case Study House No. 9
Case Study House No. 9 (The Entenza House), designed in 1949 by architects Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen, is a mid-century modern architectural masterpiece located in Pacific Palisades, California. Featuring modular steel construction, glass curtain walls, and an expansive open-plan living room with a double-sided fireplace, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Architectural Project | Architects / Designers | Completion Year | Location Anchor | Structural Framing System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Case Study House No. 9 (Entenza House) | Charles Eames & Eero Saarinen | 1949 | Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, CA | Modular 4-inch H-columns & 12-inch open web joists |
Seeking Architecturally Significant Real Estate in Southern California?
With over 45 years of experience representing mid-century modern and contemporary architectural homes across Malibu and Los Angeles, Bill Moss and Daniel Moss deliver expert guidance for collectors and buyers.
The Case Study Houses Program
The Entenza House, located in the lush hills of Pacific Palisades in Southern California, is the ninth in a series of notable Case Study Houses constructed between 1945 and 1962. This home features an expansive, open-plan living space that seamlessly merges with the outdoor environment through floor-to-ceiling glass doors, creating a harmonious blend of interior and exterior spaces. With its Modernist design, the Entenza House embodies the post-war vision of accessible, affordable, and stylish living.
Initiated by John Entenza, the editor of Arts and Architecture magazine, the Case Study House Program aimed to showcase how modular steel construction could create cost-effective homes in a society recovering from World War II. The homes were designed to reflect a new way of life: more relaxed, adaptable, and in tune with the outdoors: using materials like steel, glass, and concrete to create open, flexible spaces.
The Case Study Houses Program, led by John Entenza from 1945 to 1966, featured 36 experimental homes designed to study affordable, easy-to-build housing solutions in the post-war era. The Entenza House, built between 1945 and 1949, utilized materials such as concrete, metal, and glass to represent the technological advancements of its time. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013, the Entenza House reflects an era when open concepts and minimalist design were on the rise.
Unique Layout and Design of the Entenza House
The Entenza House offers expansive views of the sea through its large square structure, which includes all the home's key features, such as an integrated garage. Like many other Case Study Houses, the home interacts closely with its natural surroundings, creating extended outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertainment. The heart of the house is a large, central living area that connects to the kitchen, entryway, and bedrooms, providing a cohesive flow throughout.
A standout feature of this home is its spacious, open-plan living room, which occupies nearly half of its interior square footage. Designed to serve as a versatile gathering space, it can accommodate a large party of up to forty people or a small, intimate group. A substantial fireplace divides the area, providing a grand and cozy atmosphere for various social occasions.
- Property Designation: Case Study House No. 9 (The Entenza House)
- Location Anchor: Chautauqua Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (Adjoining Point Dume coastal corridor)
- Design Collaborators: Charles Eames & Eero Saarinen (Commissioned by John Entenza)
Interior Features, Spatial Flow, and Minimalist Aesthetics
The living room includes a sunken area framed by two broad steps that can serve as informal seating. One side of the sunken space features a built-in curved couch, while a double-sided fireplace offers a partial divider that still allows views of the outdoors. These design elements create a flexible living environment that is both inviting and functional.
Contrasting with the expansive living areas, the study room is compact and windowless, designed specifically to promote focus and minimize distractions. Additional private spaces, such as the bedrooms, are intentionally smaller and sparsely furnished, enhancing the home's minimalist appeal. Several terraces capitalize on the California sunshine, providing outdoor spaces for relaxation, including a private terrace off the bathroom and a sunny breakfast nook.
Structural Connection with Case Study House No. 8
Two homes were built on a shared 1.5 acre lot under the Case Study House Program: Entenza's House (#9) and the neighboring Eames House (#8). Both houses utilized similar structural components, including four-inch H-columns and twelve-inch open web joists. This structural system maximized usable interior space within a minimal frame, with the roof comprising a simple concrete slab. The shared materials and design approach created a unified aesthetic while maintaining each home's individual identity.
Architectural Legacy and Current Status
Entenza occupied his Case Study House for only five years after its completion in 1949. Over time, it has been sold to several different owners, each modifying portions of the original design. While the neighboring Eames House now serves as the headquarters for the Eames Foundation and is open to the public, the Entenza House remains a private residence.
Despite changes over the decades, Case Study House #9 continues to reflect the innovative spirit and architectural principles that made the Case Study Houses a milestone in American residential architecture. Though still intact today, this home offers a unique look at mid-century modernism, capturing a pivotal moment when new materials and open design concepts began to shape the modern American home.
For buyers and collectors interested in coastal architectural properties, explore nearby luxury guides for Serra Retreat real estate and Malibu Hills estates, or read our insights on popular architectural styles for Malibu beach houses.
Source Notes: Case Study House #9 historical facts, National Register of Historic Places status, and structural specifications verified via National Park Service records and Arts & Architecture archives as of July 2026.
Related Reading and Architectural Spotlight Guides
About Moss Estate Group at Malibu Moss
Bill Moss and Daniel Moss have represented architecturally significant properties across Malibu and Los Angeles for over 45 years, including works by Craig Ellwood, Ed Niles, David Gray, and Doug Burdge. Understanding that architectural masterpieces require specialized market representation, Moss Estate Group showcases trophy homes with the highest level of care. Contact Bill & Daniel Moss today to discuss your architectural real estate needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Case Study House No. 9?
Case Study House No. 9, also known as the Entenza House, is a mid-century modern residence in Pacific Palisades, California, designed in 1949 by architects Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen for John Entenza.
Who designed the Entenza House?
The Entenza House was co-designed by iconic architects Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen as part of the Case Study House Program sponsored by Arts & Architecture magazine.
Where is Case Study House #9 located?
Case Study House No. 9 is located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on a bluff shared with Case Study House No. 8 (the Eames House).
Is the Entenza House open to the public?
No, unlike the neighboring Eames House, Case Study House No. 9 remains a privately owned residence and is not open for public tours.
