30 DIGS.NET
| 7.29.2022
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P R O F I L E | D O N A L D M . G O L D S T E I N
SHOWPIECE ON stilts in Sherman Oaks, 3707 Oakfield Drive
is a house of considerable architectural stock, a Plat-
form House originally designed by Austrian-American
modernist Richard Neutra, who was especially prolific in
Los Angeles. It was completed by Neutra's mid-century
contemporary William S. Beckett, then renovated stem to stern
by yet another architect, the home's current owner and designer
Donald M. Goldstein.
All 17 of the Platform Houses were constructed between during
1962 and 1966, according to the LA Conservancy, and so
named because they were built on enormous platforms and
cantilevered out over a precipitous slope. From the street, all
have the bearing of a classic Mid-Century Modern structure,
most notably overhanging flat roofs. Buttressed by structurally
reinforced pillars that hoist the sleek pad up, Mr. Goldstein's
abode is in pristine condition.
Goldstein's interest in the Platform Houses goes way back. "I
had seen the houses being constructed when I was younger and
always thought I'd live in one someday," he says. Not only would
A
Goldstein make good on that promise, he also would completely
rethink the house he'd eventually come to own. Drawn to the
home's spectacular view, his vision for 3707 Oakfield Drive
evolved. "I spent many years traveling extensively for work
on the East Coast and in Europe," he says of his intentionally
implemented renovations. "Over time, I brought back inspiration
from various projects and my travels. I stripped the house to
completely renovate portions more than once. It's unique and
stands apart from all the rest." The house may share a street
with its fellow Platform Houses, in other words, but it's not a chip
off the old block. It is the most luxuriously renovated prize on
Oakfield Drive—a floating glass vessel in the air.
Tucked behind a custom-cut and -fit privacy wall, 3707 Oakfield
Drive is not an inconspicuous building—it's clearly well cared
for and manifestly of good taste. But it does not announce its
existence to the world. Nor is that necessary. It is clean, good
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