




1097 S Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106
The Wallace Neff Shell House, carefully restored by its current owners with a commitment to preserving the integrity of Neff's original architectural intent, the residence remains a remarkably intact artifact of mid-century innovation.Set on an approximately 9,000-square-foot corner lot, the two-bedroom dome dwelling unfolds as a study in organic geometry and spatial efficiency. Beneath the curved shell, a circular half living room radiates from a central fireplace, flowing seamlessly into the kitchen and adjoining bath. The home's monolithic form blurs distinctions between structure and sculpture, embodying Neff's belief that architecture could be economical, resilient, and profoundly modern.In addition, the property includes an over 1,000-square-foot detached studio space, with submitted ADU plans in process with the city. This structure currently incorporates a large open public space, bath and separate bedroom. Further underscoring the property's historic significance is a rare Airform-constructed bomb shelter, added in the 60s, approximately 15 feet below the studio. Two patio outdoor seating areas, one nestled between the dome and detached studio space, the other positioned just outside the dome, are thoughtfully integrated within the surrounding gardens and gated drive.Originally conceived in 1947, The Shell House stands today as the sole surviving example in the United States of Neff's visionary Airform construction system. Also referred to as 'Bubble House,' a reinforced concrete construction, erected with an inflatable balloon and then sprayed with gunite, this experimental post-war housing concept fuses futurist engineering with sculptural domestic design. The Shell House represents a singular chapter in American architectural history, an extraordinarily rare convergence of preservation, experimentation, and design vision. A potential Mills Act candidate, if desired.
Bedrooms
2
Bathrooms
1
Square Feet
1,204
Lot Size
8,984 sqft
Year Built
1947
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Days on Market
9
HOA Fee
N/A
Garage Total
2
MLS #
P1-27221
Flooring
Concrete
Appliances
Dishwasher, Gas Oven
Cooling
Central Air
Heating
Central
Total Parking Spaces
4
Garage Spaces
2
Open Parking Spaces
2
Parking Features
Tandem, Uncovered
Security
Security System
Construction
Concrete, Stucco
Roof
Concrete, See Remarks
Sewer
Public Sewer
Water Source
Public
Suburban
$0
| Rating | School Name | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| No school data available for this area. | |||
Balanced market
Avg. time on market
This is a Balanced Market. Homes are selling at a moderate pace.
Flood Risk
Minimal — not in a FEMA flood zone
Wildfire Risk
Moderate — near wildland-urban interface
Heat Risk
Low — moderate summer temperatures
Earthquake Risk
Southern California seismic zone
Based on price, location, and features
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