The Malibu Studio
a.k.a. The “Tin House”
Ron and Susan Davis purchased a lot in Malibu, California in the early 1970s to be used as a studio/residence. Ron had become acquainted with architect Frank Gehry through Dr. Milton Wexler, long before Gehry became a celebrity. Together, Ron and Frank collaborated on the design of what came to be known as the “Tin House,” considered one of Gehry’s first seminal structures. What is not commonly known is that Ron and Frank spent hours discussing, drawing, designing, arguing, even fighting about the design and development of the structure. In fact, the design was a true collaboration; Ron Davis had a vision, and Frank Gehry made it so. The studio changed hands a few times after Ron sold the property in the early 1990s. Tragically, it was completely destroyed in the 2018 Woolsey fire that devastated so much of Malibu and surrounding communities.
Malibu Studio
a.k.a. The “Tin House”
Ron and Susan Davis purchased a lot in Malibu, California in the early 1970s to be used as a studio/residence. Ron had become acquainted with architect Frank Gehry through Dr. Milton Wexler, long before Gehry became a celebrity. Together, Ron and Frank collaborated on the design of what came to be known as the “Tin House,” considered one of Gehry’s first seminal structures. What is not commonly known is that Ron and Frank spent hours discussing, drawing, designing, arguing, even fighting about the design and development of the structure. In fact, the design was a true collaboration; Ron Davis had a vision, and Frank Gehry made it so. The studio changed hands a few times after Ron sold the property in the early 1990s. Tragically, it was completely destroyed in the 2018 Woolsey fire that devastated so much of Malibu and surrounding communities.
Isometric perspective drawing of the studio
Frank Gehry sketch of the interior with central staircase
Initial construction, 1971-1972
Completed Tin House / Malibu Studio
Studio interior showing iconic skylight. Walter Darby Bannard painting at left; Frank Stella diptych at right.
Studio/residence interior showing kitchen and dining area.
Studio interior
The studio and the Santa Monica mountains
The highest point of the structure, which Ron said was the habitual perch of a great horned owl.
