This unusual residence in Sherman Oaks was designed by modernist architect John Lautner and built in 1950 for Louise Foster, aschoolteacher who saved for years to build her dream home.

Sheathed in redwood siding, the curving design is equal parts house and observatory thanks to a radiating living room with walls of glass and an adjoining terrace with views of the San Fernando Valley. At 1,200 square feet, the two-bedroom home is among the smallest projects by the forwardthinking architect.

The details Location: 4235 Las Cruces Drive, Sherman Oaks, 91403

Asking price: $1.6 million

Year built: 1950

Living area: 1,200 square feet, two bedrooms, two bathrooms

Lot size: 5,556 square feet

Features: Period details; built-in bookshelves; floor-to-ceiling windows; updated kitchen; bonus suite/living space; dining terrace

About the area: In the 91403 ZIP Code, based on 23 sales, the median price for single-family homes in May was $1.599 million, a16.9% increase compared with the same month last year, according to CoreLogic.

Agents: Aaron Kirman, Compass, (424) 249-7162

To submit a candidate, send high-res photos via Dropbox.com, photographer permission and a description of the house to neal.leitereg@latimes.com.