The Sunbow House with a Folding Plate Roof & Jetliner Runyon Canyon Views | 2427 Solar Dr.

This distinguished mid-century modern architectural masterpiece was designed by Valentine J. Powelson, AIA, in 1960, the same year he created Rancho Mirage’s celebrated Maranz House, which was immortalized on the cover of Palm Springs Weekend magazine. Even if its name escapes you, the silhouette of its legendary “butterfly roofline” is unmistakable. Similarly, the residence located at 2427 Solar Drive in Nichols Canyon, just above the hiking trails of Runyon, has been christened “The Sunbow House,” and is instantly defined by its dramatic “folding plate roof.” An architectural jewel of its time, the home still stands as an absolute icon of the mid-century era.

2427 Solar Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90046

$2,499,000 | 3 Beds | 2 Baths | 2,098 Sq. Ft. | $1,191 Price/Sq.Ft. | 10,027 Sq. Ft. Lot | Built in 1960

Valentine J. Powelson, nicknamed Val by friends and colleagues, was a Los Angeles native and brought an engineer’s precision and a designer’s imagination to the Southern California modernist landscape. Educated in structural engineering at UCLA, he began his career in the mid-1950s as a licensed contractor and designer, collaborating with notable figures such as architect Jon Jerde. Though he formally became a licensed architect in 1986, Powelson’s architectural voice was already well established, with an oeuvre that continues to resonate in Los Angeles and Palm Springs today.

In his early years, Powelson focused primarily on residential commissions, creating daring hillside homes in the Hollywood Hills celebrated for their dramatic folding-plate rooflines and seamless integration of nature into structure. His work in Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage cemented his place within the Palm Springs School of Architecture, particularly through his innovative use of hyperbolic paraboloid forms, sometimes referred to a “folding plate” or “butterfly” rooflines. Among his most recognized projects are the Gummo Marx Residence (1957), the Da Vaal Estates cooperative residences (1960), the Maranz Residence (1960), and the Morris-Weisbard Residence (1961)—all listed on the Register of Historic Resources in Rancho Mirage. He also designed the Indian Wells Country Club House (1959), memorably captured in photographs by Julius Shulman.

Powelson’s architectural legacy rests in his bold exploration of geometry and structure, which gave modernism in California an edge both elegant and experimental.

The Sunbow House has been thoughtfully restored and updated, showcasing high style and expansive views from every floor-to-ceiling slider and window. Its wonderful living room has clerestory windows courtesy of its roofline, commercial-grade maple/basalt floors, and a wood-burning fireplace.

The home is perched on a ridge in prestigious Nichols Canyon, literally atop Runyon Canyon.

The primary bedroom has jaw-dropping views of the canyon that stretch all the way to the ocean and Downtown Los Angeles.

The primary’s private deck offers the perfect vantage point for enjoying the sounds and sights of the canyon.

A dreamy walk-in closet is clad in solid wood and has a unique slim window that provides privacy but plenty of natural light.

The primary’s ensuite bath is massive and has a double vanity with marble countertops, a relaxing soaking tub, and a sleek walk-in tiled shower.

There are two additional bedrooms.

One has great built-ins making it the perfect office/library plus easy outdoor access to the splashy backyard and pool.

There is also a second full bathroom.

The Sunbow House was simply designed with Southern California indoor/outdoor living in mind.

There are three luxe outdoor spaces: a private and lush front yard, the long cedar deck off the primary suite and, of course, this sparkling pool and spa.

The property is simply deal for relaxing and entertaining in equal measure.

With an entrance to the hiking trails of Runyon Canyon and Mulholland Drive nearby all of Los Angeles is at your fingertips.

The one-of-a-kind and absolutely sweeping vistas include city-to-ocean views to the south and canyon and valley views to the north.

The Sunbow House at 2427 Solar Drive is a true architectural marvel, instantly iconic, and effortlessly luxurious.

Interested in purchasing this fantastic home? I would love to get you a private tour of 2427 Solar Drive in Nichols Canyon just above Runyon. Call me today at (323) 697-3040 or email me at jacqueline.tager@sothebyshomes.com.

Listing provided courtesy of Amy Dantzler & Daniel Banchik, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.

Jacqueline Tager | DRE# 1476997
jacqueline.tager@sothebyshomes.com | (323) 697-3040
Sotheby’s International Realty – Los Feliz Brokerage
1801 N Hillhurst Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90027

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