Iconic Pierre Koenig Glass-and-Steel Malibu Home Listed for $14.9M

This post examines a glass-and-steel Malibu beach house designed by renowned architect Pierre Koenig, now listed for $14.9 million.

Built in 2011 from Koenig’s 2002 plans, the three-story residence continues his International Style legacy.

The design echoes projects like the Stahl House and the Case Study House series.

The article highlights how the current owner preserved Koenig’s vision while updating it with modern technology.

The property sits within the broader narrative of Los Angeles modernism.

Architectural lineage: Koenig, preservation, and a Los Angeles icon

Koenig’s work is closely tied to midcentury modernism and the California modernist canon.

This Malibu home was commissioned for architectural preservationist and film producer Michael LaFetra, carrying the designer’s ethos into the 21st century.

LaFetra had previously collaborated with Koenig on restoring the Bailey House (Case Study House #21).

This project became a final chapter in Koenig’s career.

The listing mentions Koenig’s celebrated Stahl House, reaffirming the enduring appeal of his glass-and-steel designs.

Koenig’s influence and the Bailey/Stahl connections

Although Koenig did not live to see this commission completed, the home’s design reflects his interest in transparency and connection to the landscape.

The use of industrial materials is honest and direct.

The property’s openness, elevated living spaces, and dramatic views create a dialogue with the Stahl House.

This places the Malibu compound within the story of how Koenig’s International Style reshaped West Coast residential architecture.

Design features and living spaces

The 3,463-square-foot rectangular residence sits on a lot roughly twice its size.

Its design prioritizes indoor-outdoor living with extensive glass walls framing views of a south-facing cove and the Pacific coastline.

The home’s four bedrooms are wrapped by sliding glass doors and open onto a wide deck.

The deck is designed for seamless integration with the waterfront setting.

A retractable staircase provides private beach access, and can be stowed away for privacy.

Key technical features include a fireproof concrete basement that serves as a command center.

There is also a subterranean garage with a car lift.

The house features a self-sufficient energy system, aligning Koenig’s engineering approach with modern sustainability standards.

• 3,463-square-foot footprint
• Three stories with four bedrooms
• Sliding glass walls opening to a wide deck
• Retractable staircase to private beach access
• Fireproof concrete basement as a system hub
• Subterranean garage with car lift
• Self-sufficient energy system for off-grid-like resilience

Current owner Jeffrey Fish, a developer who acquired the property in 2018 for $8.75 million, integrated smart-home controls and electric shades for the glass walls.

Fish also owns the Perch restaurant in downtown Los Angeles and is offering a $20,000 Perch gift card to the buyer.

This adds a local connection and an incentive for buyers who value lifestyle perks and architectural quality.

Market context and neighborhood context

The property sits on Point Lechuza Drive with direct access to a prime Malibu coastline.

There is a nearby surf break that appeals to enthusiasts of coastal living and performance-oriented architecture.

The listing places this home among other modernist waterfront properties that celebrate panoramic sea views and transparent façades.

Materials are chosen for their response to the climate and site.

Stahl House and modernist ties in the current market

The Stahl House remains an icon of LA modernism and continues to attract buyers seeking architectural provenance and iconic form.

This Malibu project extends Koenig’s legacy by translating his midcentury vocabulary into a 21st-century coastal home with modern conveniences.

Conclusion: a landmark that bridges midcentury vision and modern living

For architecture and engineering professionals, this Malibu property shows how midcentury design principles like transparency and material honesty are still relevant. The integration with the landscape highlights these principles at the highest end of the market.

This home also demonstrates how a historic design can be updated with modern systems. These updates meet today’s needs for comfort, security, and efficiency.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Pierre Koenig’s Swan Song, a Glass-and-Steel House in Malibu, is Listed for $14.9 Million