Spotlight on Style: Mid Century Modern Architecture
There are only a small handful of styles that make up the bulk of the most compelling Southern California architecture: Craftsman, Beaux Arts, Spanish Revival and MidMo. While there are stunning examples of Tudor, Victorian, Four Square and others, they are much less common.
In this series, I will dive into each style, starting with the big categories.
Pic: Neutra Institute for Survival Through Design, 651 Sinex Ave., K115, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 ; www.neutra.org
MidCentury Modern.
Mid Century Modern (or MCM) design in architecture is reflected in a very clean and simple design style with an organic integration with nature. Open patios, floor to ceiling windows (glass walled) and sliding glass doors are all hallmarks of Mid Century Modern homes. It is in this architectural style that we first see the concept of open floor plans, a reflection or a less formal home and a modern way of living for the time.
As we see in other residential styles, advancements in building techniques shaped new styles of architecture and how we lived. Most notably in the Mid Century home is the groundbreaking construction technique of “post and beam”. Post and beam removes the need for bulky support walls in favor of engineerings structural beams that span the width of a room. Supported by “posts” mid span made for open spaces and an airy feel.
While we see early examples of this clean design style in the late 30’s it really wasn’t until after World War II in the 1950’s and 1960’s that it became common place. The 50’s and 60’s were a boom time in the US. National pride and a booming population resulted in an economic boom and a middle-class wealth that created a drive for homes that were more than just four walls and a roof.
Design influences from Europe were brought stateside and had a huge influence on architecture. While the clean lines of MidMo existed pre-war, the boom and drive of growth into suburbia is what made the style grow into commonplace, influencing many modern architects.
MidMos in the Los Angeles area aren’t hard to find, even including works from master architects Pierre Koenig and Richard Neutra.
Owning a MidMo will be more difficult than finding them. They are in huge demand as people want this hot style and architectural stylized homes are seen as more recession proof. If you want to own a MidMo, there are some strategies to get into one, and it isn’t about having the top offer. Just ping me, glad to help put the preservation minded folks into these amazing homes.
Sort searches for the years 1945 to 1969. MidMo’s will generally start around $800,000 and above, remember, these aren’t basic tract houses. Below is a collection of MidMo’s currently for sale. Bookmark the link as I will update it from time to time. If you aren’t see current listings, just ping me and I will update for you.
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Michael Robleto
REALTOR®-Compass Real Estate
213-595-4720
Michael Robleto is a Los Angeles based REALTOR® that specializes in Historic Pre-War residential properties and those with architectural merit. Home buying and home selling is extremely challenging in Southern California. Michael uses his vast knowledge of historic homes, residential construction and modern day marketing and digital technology to predict and solve the many problems that arise in real estate transactions. His client accolades of insight, integrity and hard work support the fact that he is not your average agent.
Michael leverages his personal passion for historic architecture to provide his clients the unknown insight on the pros and cons of older homes. Michael, the son of a contractor, a California native, grew up in an older Bungalow home and has spent 23 years in Southern California admiring the unique architecture of the region. He often writes on homeownership strategy, historic residential architecture and related topics which can be found on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram under the common profile name of his blog; BungalowAgent or at www.BunaglowAgent.com/blog.
Michael is a committee member and frequent volunteer for the preservation efforts of Pasadena Heritage, the La Conservancy as well as a supporter of the Five Acres center for children.