Hey everyone, today I want to talk about something a bit different – a little project I’ve been messing around with called the “Hogan Residence.” Now, I stumbled upon this thing a while back, and it’s basically this old house designed by a guy named Douglas Rucker way back in 1964. It’s got this cool vibe, like a treehouse mixed with something else, and it’s sitting right at the top of Laurel Canyon.
So, first thing I did was try to find some original blueprints online. Not sure if I wanted to build a replica or just appreciate the architecture, but I had to see the original plans. Turns out, this is one of the few homes Rucker designed in Los Angeles. I guess he was usually based in Malibu, so this was a bit of a unique find.
Once I got a good look at the blueprints, I started digging into the history of the place. Apparently, it was built for some actor from the old TV show “Combat,” but that’s not really what caught my eye. What really got me was that the house is made with a bunch of wooden poles. It’s not just any wood; this place has these beautiful redwood decks that make it feel like you’re living in a forest.
Then, I learned that the structure is similar to a traditional Navajo dwelling called a “hogan.” I got curious about these hogans and found out they’re considered sacred homes. So I started reading up on Navajo culture, and it’s pretty fascinating stuff.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. I came across a story about a couple who updated the Hogan Residence a few years back. They acted as their own general contractors, which I thought was pretty brave. I mean, messing with a classic like that? They’d better know what they’re doing. Luckily, they did a great job keeping the original redwood and the overall feel of the place intact.
At this point, I’m not totally sure where I’m going with this whole Hogan Residence thing. But I’ve been sketching out some ideas, imagining what it would be like to live there, or maybe even build a miniature version. It’s been a fun little rabbit hole to go down, and who knows, maybe one day I’ll actually get to see it in person.
What I learned:
- Hogan Residence Design: Learned that the Hogan Residence is a post-and-beam treehouse built in 1964 by Douglas Rucker.
- Navajo Hogans: Discovered that the house’s structure is inspired by traditional Navajo dwellings called hogans, which are considered sacred homes.
- Redwood Decks: Learned that the house features beautiful redwood decks that make it feel like a forest home.
- Original Blueprints: Found that the original blueprints for the Hogan Residence are available online, offering a glimpse into Rucker’s design.
- Respectful Renovation: Read about a couple who acted as their own general contractors to update the Hogan Residence while preserving its original character.
Anyway, that’s my little adventure with the Hogan Residence so far. It’s been a cool mix of architecture, history, and a bit of cultural exploration. I’ll keep you guys updated if I make any more progress on this project, or if I just end up daydreaming about living in a treehouse forever.
