Robert and Susan Downey Jr. Discuss Their Innovative Malibu Homestead and Eco-Friendly Vision

While the NBA and many global sports leagues remain on pause, LeBron James isn’t letting the downtime affect his dedication to peak performance. Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr. and his wife Susan are channeling their energy into a groundbreaking project in Malibu.

The Downeys, co-founders of the Footprint Coalition, are spearheading efforts to promote sustainable technology through venture capital and grants. Their Malibu homestead, a 7-acre estate, showcases their commitment to eco-friendly living with advanced wind turbines and solar-powered water systems. The property includes a conventional 1970s house with gray siding and multiple gables, but the standout is the Binishell—a bold, experimental structure in architectural sustainability.

Susan Downey: “We bought the Malibu property in 2009, acquiring three adjacent parcels. The main house remained largely unchanged, but when we decided to build an additional structure, our designer Robert Clydesdale introduced us to Nicolò Bini. He was enthusiastic about Bini’s innovative approach.”

Robert Downey Jr.: “We interviewed several architects but none proposed anything as unique as Nicolò’s method. His technology, developed by his father Dante Bini in Italy in the late ’60s, involves using inflatable bladders covered in concrete to create the outer form of the structure.”

AG: The design of the Binishell evokes the experimental spirit of the 1960s and 1970s with its free-form shapes. Was this retro style a conscious inspiration?

Susan Downey: “We were open to unconventional approaches. Nicolò’s passion and dynamic vision were incredibly compelling.”

Robert Downey Jr.: “The project turned out to be a seven-year journey. Nicolò’s vision was supported by key figures like Mike Grosswendt from All Coast Construction, who completed the exterior and interior within budget, and Ben Goodman from Goodman Architecture, who worked on the interiors.”

Susan Downey: “Eventually, we reached a point where we could focus on the finer design details with our interior designer Joe Nahem, who had previously transformed our East Hampton residence.”

AG: The interior features distinctive elements like pale-blue doorways with pivoting hinges and ovoid skylights. Were these custom-designed?

Robert Downey Jr.: “Yes, due to budget constraints, we often sought the most cost-effective green solutions. Many elements, like the fiberglass beads in the architectural screen, were custom-designed by Fox-Nahem.”

AG: Your house combines 20th-century utopian design with a whimsical, almost cartoonish aesthetic. How did you avoid it veering into parody?

Susan Downey: “The challenge was to harmonize unique design elements without crossing into parody. We aimed to keep the design genuine and avoid any semblance of kitsch.”

AG: Your animal collection sounds like something out of a storybook. How did it all start?

Robert Downey Jr.: “It began with two pygmy goats and several horses as gifts. I then asked Susan if we could adopt alpacas, which she somewhat agreed to.”

Susan Downey: “I didn’t say no outright. Robert took that as a yes, and the collection grew with Kunekune pigs, belted Galloway cows, chickens, and rabbits.”

Robert Downey Jr.: “We’re currently considering adopting six peafowl, but I think it’s time for us to wrap up our chat.”

Susan Downey: “Indeed. It’s been a pleasure talking with you.”

AG: Noted.