The Lumiere House, an iconic 1971 residence designed by architect Walter Thomas Brooks, is currently listed for sale at $899,000 in Point Richmond, California. The home, located at 331 Western Drive, is distinguished by its translucent plastic-panel walls that scatter bay light inward, earning it the moniker "the first plastic-shingled house in America" according to a plaque on its fence. This unique organic-architecture landmark encompasses 1,186 square feet, valuing it at approximately $759 per square foot, a price considered significant even for the Bay Area market. Public records indicate the property was listed on July 5, 2026, under MLS #41140506 as "Active – Coming Soon." Reports of a prior sale in April 2026 were not substantiated by Contra Costa County deed records or MLS data.
Brooks originally conceived the Lumiere House as his personal residence, incorporating his design philosophy of organic architecture. The home nestles into a terraced Bayfront hillside, utilizing the natural slope for passive thermal regulation. Inside, the design features inwardly tilting walls, a conversation pit, and custom built-in furniture that maximizes the small footprint. The house's nautical inspiration is evident in its aerodynamic shipbuilding sensibility, including two mezzanines and a crow's nest. The property also boasts terraced landscaping, fruit trees, fish ponds, and reflecting pools, creating a serene environment with world-class views, including those of the Golden Gate Bridge from the detached garage.
Despite its modest size of two bedrooms and one bath, the Lumiere House has garnered national recognition, being featured in publications such as Dwell magazine (in its inaugural October 2000 issue), Fine Homebuilding, Sunset Magazine, and Newsweek. The claim of being the "first plastic-shingled house" has been documented by the San Francisco Chronicle and the Berkeley Architecture Heritage Association, though strict historical proof remains elusive. The current listing allows a new owner to acquire this documented piece of architectural history, along with its distinctive features like the bay light and the conversation pit, while acknowledging the potential structural complexities due to its inwardly tilting walls.
