ARCHITECTURE SPOTLIGHT: The Gamble House
Nestled in the leafy streets of Pasadena, California, the Gamble House is an architectural masterpiece that stands out as one of the finest examples of the Arts and Crafts movement in the United States. This house in particular strikes close to home as it’s less than 5 miles from Clean Initiative’s home office.
Designed by the renowned architects Charles and Henry Greene (Green and Green), the Gamble House is a stunning embodiment of the philosophy that the Arts and Crafts movement represents - the integration of fine art with functional design.
The Gamble House was built in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble, the heirs of the Procter & Gamble Company and was intended to be a winter residence for the family. The house is a two-story structure that boasts of exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, making it an exemplar of the Arts and Crafts style. The Greene brothers, who were famous for their skill in woodworking, designed the house with an emphasis on the use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and glass.
One of the most remarkable features of the Gamble House is the interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces. The house is situated on a large plot of land, which the Greene brothers have masterfully integrated into the design of the house. Large windows, skylights, and doors allow natural light to filter into the house, creating a sense of harmony and connection with nature. The house is also surrounded by a beautiful garden that was designed by the respected landscape architect Florence Yoch, making the Gamble House a true oasis in the heart of Pasadena.
The interior of the Gamble House is equally impressive, with intricate woodwork and stained glass windows that showcase the talent and skill of the Greene brothers. The house has a spacious living room that features a fireplace, a dining room that can accommodate up to twelve people, and a beautiful kitchen that is equipped with modern appliances. Each bedroom in the house feature their own unique design and character.
In 1966, the Gamble House was gifted to the city of Pasadena by the Gamble family, and it is now operated by the University of Southern California. The house has been meticulously preserved and restored, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and elegance of the Arts and Crafts movement.
Today, the Gamble House is a popular tourist attraction - in part being featured as Doc Brown’s home in the ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy. For architecture enthusiasts, it’s because the home is considered one of the most significant examples of residential architecture in the United States.
