Butterfly-Style Roof, a SoCal Icon

If you spent any time in California, you’ve likely noticed an upside-down roof grace the top of many a mid-century modern home. Known as the “butterfly roof”, the style gets its name from its distinct silhouette reminiscent of a butterfly wing in mid-flap. The design was popularized during the post-war period, becoming a staple in American neighborhoods across the South-West, where the butterfly roof design allowed dramatic walls of glass that showcased the natural sunlight.

Stunning Mid-Century Modern Home for Sale in Beachwood Canyon

A Tale of Two Designers

The architect that is frequently credited with developing the butterfly roof design is William Krisel. Active in 1950’s, he is particularly renown for building modern home tracts in Palm Springs, now the site of many of his trademark butterfly roof creations. However, Krisel was not the first architect to come up with this eye-catching soaring feature – that honor goes to the Swiss-French architect and Modernist Pioneer, Le Corbusier, that first designed a home with a butterfly roof in Chile in 1930. Intended to overlook the Pacific Ocean in Zapallar, Maison Errazuriz was unfortunately never constructed.

Sketches of Maison Errazuriz © FLC/ADAGP

Own a Midcentury-Modern Home with a Butterfly Roof

If you are a fan of this special design feature but don’t want to travel all the way to the desert to enjoy it, you need to see this beautiful mid-century modern home, for sale in Hollywood Hills. Nestled at the top of Beachwood Canyon, the residence was designed by notable architect Maurice L. Bein and features a soaring butterfly-style roof and an open layout with walls of glass and easy outdoor flow. A wonderful investment in the heart of scenic Hollywood Hills, the home puts you above the city in an ideal environment for relaxing and entertaining, and close to hiking trails in Griffith Park. Come visit us this Sunday, we would love to show you around!