Photographic and anecdotal evidence shows that the architect's client, Buck Stahl, provided the inspiration for the overall cantilevered structure.

It was made famous by a Julius Shulman photograph showing two women leisurely sitting in a corner of the house with an evening panoramic view of the city through floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

Films include Smog (1962); The First Power (1990); The Marrying Man (1991); Corrina, Corrina (1994); Playing by Heart (1998), where it was used as the home of Jon Stewart’s character; Why Do Fools Fall In Love (1998); Galaxy Quest (1999), as the home of Tim Allen's character; Nurse Betty (2000); and Where the Truth Lies (2005).

[8] The house is prominently featured in the music videos for "I Don't Wanna Stop" (2003) by ATB, "Missing Cleveland" by Scott Weiland, and also "Release Me" by Wilson Phillips.

A look-alike was also included in the 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas as one of the safehouses players can buy.