Tour the tiny Silver Lake hideaway with Richard Neutra roots

John Bertram designed a simple rec room that complements the architecture of his Richard Neutra home in Silver Lake.

Architect John Bertram sits atop the roof deck of his recreation room in Silver Lake. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

May 2, 2022 5 AM PT

The recreation room was designed to be unobtrusive and preserve the garden. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Sitting inside the recreation room is a calming experience for architect John Bertram (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

A view of the recreation room from the McIntosh House. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

A view of Richard Neutra’s McIntosh House from the recreation room. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

The recreation room is sunk 30 inches into the ground. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Architect John Bertram takes in the views of downtown L.A. from the recreation room’s roof deck. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Bertram worked hard to add a unit that would preserve the yard and not affect his neighbors’ views. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Much of the Silver Lake garden remains intact, despite the addition. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Birds and butterflies are drawn to the milkweed and hummingbird sage planted through the garden. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

A view of the recreation room from the garden. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

The 12-by-12 rec room is intentionally spare with limited furnishings and accessories. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)