CONNER & PERRY ARCHITECTS
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The Conner & Perry Architects blog is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in contemporary architecture, particularly the philosophy and practice of organic architecture. Led by Kris Conner and James Perry, who received their training from the legendary architect John Lautner, the team brings a unique perspective to each project they undertake. Their blog features insights into the design process, including the challenges and rewards of renovating large and small-scale projects. Whether you are a seasoned architect or a curious reader, the blog offers valuable resources and information about the principles of organic architecture. With over 30 years of combined experience in architecture, construction, fabrication, and design-build, the team at Conner & Perry Architects is committed to creating buildings that are both beautiful and functional. Through their blog, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the philosophy and practice of organic architecture and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in the field.

The Hidden Cavern of Lautner’s Castle

 
Photography by Joe Fletcher

Exterior View from upper level going down stairs overlooking pool deck and view beyond. Photographer: Joe Fletcher

 

In the rugged hills of Los Angeles, Lautner’s Castle is a masterclass in organic architecture. It doesn’t just sit on the site; it belongs to it. Lautner adeptly bent the house to follow the natural curves of the canyon, stepping the levels down the slope to leave the land as undisturbed as possible.  

 
Site Plan: The home follows the natural contours of the canyon, with new interventions like the fire pit deck tucked beneath the historic pool cantilever.

Site Plan: The home’s geometry follows the natural topographic contours.

 

On the western edge, Lautner made a move that was as structurally daring as it was bold: to create a pool deck without scarring the hillside with a massive retaining wall, he projected the pool out into the air.

By anchoring a stepped footing system deep into the bedrock, he created a soaring concrete cantilever. This preserved the hillside, but it also veiled a spatial secret: a dramatic void beneath the pool. For decades, this "undercroft" was just an overlooked structural necessity—a hidden space you could sense, but never truly experience.

Low angle exterior view of the original 1982 concrete cantilevered pool at Lautner’s Castle, showing the structural void and hillside before renovation by Conner + Perry Architects.

Before photo of the view from below looking up at the original concrete pool cantilever, showcasing the 'undercroft' before its transformation into the fire pit deck.

Before photo of the side profile of the massive concrete vessel. The exposed mechanical systems highlight the complexity of maintaining a "floating" pool on such a steep hillside.

Before photo of the side profile of the massive concrete vessel. The exposed mechanical systems highlight the complexity of maintaining a "floating" pool on such a steep hillside.

When Conner + Perry Architects first arrived, standing beneath that massive concrete vessel felt like a discovery. The space begged to be occupied. We proposed a design that would finally grant access to this architectural moment, and the owners were immediately on board.

Melding seamlessly with the existing structure, we built an occupiable deck that connects directly to the landscape. To keep the cross-canyon views clear, we swapped traditional guardrails for cantilevered planters and built-in seating that feels completely open to the horizon.  Custom lounge furniture and a cylindrical stone fire pit tie the design to the existing language of the house while introducing subtle new details.

A new concrete staircase with a custom vertical wood slat screen designed by Conner + Perry Architects to conceal pool mechanical equipment at Lautner’s Castle. The path leads down toward the hidden fire pit deck.

The new concrete stairs lead down to the 'cavern' level, featuring a vertical wood screen that elegantly conceals the pool’s mechanical systems. Photographer: Joe Fletcher

Evening view of the new fire pit deck at Lautner’s Castle by Conner + Perry Architects. The shot shows the built-in lounge furniture, lush tropical plants like Monstera, and a stone fire pit alit under the original 1982 concrete pool cantilever.

The Hidden Cavern at dusk: An architectural moment of discovery transformed into a warm, habitable space where the glow of the fire pit meets the original concrete vault. Photographer: Joe Fletcher

One of the highlights of the project was collaborating with Andrew Nasser, the original structural engineer for the pool. Returning to the structure he helped realize decades ago, Nasser worked with us to ensure the new deck remained harmonious with Lautner’s vision.

 

Section A-A: A technical look at the vertical stacking. By utilizing the 'undercroft' beneath the pool, we were able to create the new fire pit deck

 

The result is a space that finally lets you look up and appreciate the genius of the engineering. Lautner wasn't interested in the easiest path; he was a pioneer of structure as a means of conservation. By cantilevering the pool, he chose a complex structural feat over a destructive one, effectively saving the hillside from the scarring of traditional construction. Today, sitting beneath the weight of that pool, it doesn’t feel like a renovation—it feels like an architectural treasure finally brought into the light.

The transformation complete: A once-neglected structural void is now a serene outdoor lounge, where built-in seating and native plantings frame the expansive canyon views. Photographer: Joe Fletcher

From the garden path, the project reveals itself as a journey of discovery. It’s more than a dialogue of materials; it’s about finally occupying the structural void—transforming a sensed architectural moment into a lived experience. Photographer: Joe Fletcher

Kristopher Conner