While green design is far more prevalent today than it was 30 years ago, the elements of green design have been around for many years. Architects like Richard Neutra have been incorporating the principles behind green design for decades. Neutra, who coined the term biorealism, used natural elements throughout his designs, bringing the outside in through the use of natural light sources and natural materials.

One of modernism's most important architects, Richard Neutra, is credited with introducing the International Style to American architecture, and conversely, Los Angeles design to Europe. In 1949, Time magazine featured Neutra on its cover and ranked him second only to Frankl Lloyd Wright in American architecture.

Neutra had an affinity for post and beam construction, maintaining clean and simple lines, and integrating the outside in with the use of dramatic windows, and glass walls. He designed over 300 houses in California, including the Lovell "Health House." It was the first US steel-frame house built with international style, and was designed to symbolize physical well-being. If it looks familiar, it's because you may have seen it prominently featured in L.A. Confidential.

TOP ROW (Left to Right):

1. The Anna Sten-Franke House, Santa Monica CA.
2. The Devon House
3. Pescher House, Wuppertal, Germany
4. The Neutra House, Los Angeles CA
5. The Neutra House, Los Angeles CA

BOTTOM ROW (Left to Right):

1. The Lovell Health House, Los Angeles, CA
2. The Kaufmann Desert House, Palm Springs, CA
3. Miller House, Palm Springs
4. The Josef Kun House, Los Angeles CA
5. VDL II Research House, Los Angeles, CA

(Images: Wikipedia & TriangleModernistHouses)