When wildfires swept through the Palisades, even architectural treasures weren’t spared from smoke and ash contamination. Among the affected structures was the Charles and Ray Eames Case Study House #8—a designated National Historic Landmark that required extraordinary care during restoration.
This is the story of how our team approached one of the most significant restoration projects we’ve undertaken.
The Challenge: Cleaning an Irreplaceable Structure
The Eames House isn’t just another property. As a National Historic Landmark, every surface matters. Every material is significant. And standard restoration methods simply weren’t an option.
The challenge was clear: remove every trace of wildfire contamination without damaging the very elements that make this mid-century modern masterpiece historically important.
Pressure washing the facade? Not possible.
Aggressive chemical treatments? Out of the question.
We needed an approach that would achieve complete contamination removal while treating every surface as irreplaceable—because that’s exactly what they are.
Our Approach: Meticulous, Hand-Applied Care
When standard methods won’t work, we innovate. For the Eames House, that meant assembling a crew of 8-10 professionals to meticulously hand-wipe the entire structure.
Every glass panel. Every steel beam. Every surface.
Since we couldn’t spray water on the facade, we developed protocols for manual cleaning that would:
Remove every trace of particulate matter
Protect historic materials throughout the process
Meet the preservation standards required for a National Historic Landmark
Restore the property to museum-quality condition
This wasn’t fast work. It wasn’t simple work. But it was the right work for a property of this significance.
The Result: Restored to "Original Sparkle"
The outcome speaks for itself. Here’s what Adrienne Luce from the Eames Foundation had to say:
"Nazareth and his N.T.O.E. team did an outstanding job cleaning the Charles and Ray Eames Case Study House #8 after the recent wildfires in the Palisades. As a designated National Historic Landmark, the house required the utmost care. A crew of 8–10 professionals meticulously hand-wiped the entire structure since spraying water on the facade was not an option. They removed every trace of particulate matter and restored the site to its original sparkle. I'm deeply grateful to Nazareth for his patience, partnership, and leadership throughout the process."
Every trace of contamination was removed. The structure was restored to its original condition. A National Historic Landmark preserved for future generations.
What This Project Says About How We Work
You don’t need to own a National Historic Landmark to receive this level of care.
The Eames House project reflects our approach to every property we serve:
When standard methods won’t work, we find what will. We don’t force cookie-cutter solutions into unique situations. We assess what your property needs and develop the right approach.
Details matter. Whether it’s a historic landmark or your family home, thoroughness isn’t negotiable. Complete removal of contamination. Careful treatment of surfaces. Documentation of our work.
Partnership drives results. The Eames Foundation trusted us because we communicated clearly, respected their concerns, and collaborated throughout the process. We approach every client relationship this way.
Patience and leadership make the difference. Complex projects require both technical skill and steady guidance. We bring both to every job.
Post-Fire Restoration for LA Properties
The Palisades wildfires reminded us that smoke and ash contamination can affect properties even when flames never reach them. If your property has been impacted by wildfire smoke, professional restoration ensures:
Complete removal of particulate matter that causes progressive damage
Proper techniques that protect your property during cleaning
Documentation that supports insurance claims
Peace of mind that contamination has been thoroughly addressed
We serve properties throughout LA’s Westside, including Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, West LA, and Westwood.
We'd Be Honored to Care for Your Property
Whether you’re dealing with wildfire aftermath, need emergency restoration services, or want proactive protection through our maintenance programs, we bring the same philosophy to every project: treat your property as if it were irreplaceable.
Because to you, it is.
Call N.T.O.E. at 888-367-1371