Samuel-Novarro House Stamped Copper I Heather & Little

The Samual-Novarro House is a striking Los Angeles home, abundantly decorated with beautiful architectural details made of materials such as stamped copper. It was designed by Lloyd Wright (Frank’s son), and displays as much drama now as when it was occupied by its former owners. Ramon Novarro may not be a household name today, but he was a top earning MGM actor in the 1920s-1930s. When Novarro discovered that his manager Louis Samuel had embezzled funds to pay for a house he was building, Novarrro took ownership of the Los Filez home in 1931. Other Hollywood notables followed.

The Mayan Revival Style residence is one of the most significant architectural estates in LA and was made a cultural monument in 1974. Mayan Revival Style is an Art Deco offshoot popular in the 1920s and 1930s, and employed by Lloyd Wright Jr and Sr. One of the most distinctive features of the home are the oxidized chevron-repeating patterned copper panels, reminiscent of details in Mesoamerican temples.

Restoration of the Stamped Copper Panels 

Heather & Little were tasked with recreating approximately a quarter of the copper panels for replacement on the landmark home.

Over the years, owners and architects have noted that the exterior Samuel-Novarro House stamped copper panels were one of the most difficult things to maintain on the house. The samples we received to match were in very rough shape. They had clearly been repaired and patched many times, but now they needed to be replaced.  Most of the worst damage appeared to be physical—from the contact of humans and objects on panels that were meant to be ornamental. Recreating and stamping these custom copper panels was no easy matter due to their size, the size of the pattern, and the need to repeat the pattern. However, Heather and Little were able to secure Lloyd Wright’s vision, and the restoration was a success. To learn more about the Samuel-Novarro House stamped copper wall panels browse our gallery of images.