“The urge to remodel is stronger than the sex drive" – Gene Leedy, American architect, describing 'improvements' made to his mid-century houses
ELEMENTS OF MODERN DESIGN
Modernist architecture is a bit like motorcycling: you either like it or you don't. There rarely is an in-between.
Do you belong to the former and ask yourself if the home you own – or the one you consider buying – is actually modernist? This list of some common modern architectural elements may help you along:
TYPICAL DESIGN ELEMENTS
EXTERIOR
flat or shed (slightly angled) roof, no shingles
pronounced roof overhang
extensive use of glazing
clerestory and/or corner windows
no ornamentation
geometric, angular appearance; often interlocking cubes or horizontal planes
smooth stucco, brick, stone or wood as exterior finish
subtle color contrasts, often using a subdued natural palette (if not repainted)
planters under breezeways and inside walls, or used as separators
INTERIORS
open, flowing floor-plans with room partitioning sometimes by planters, half-walls or screens
unified central area, including living and dining room
exposed wooden or steel posts and beams
uncluttered, rather sparse interiors
sky-lit hallways
flooring materials such as hardwood, cork, linoleum or terrazzo; no carpeting
lots of glass to create a connection between in- and outside
use of laminates, formica, aluminum, stainless steel, flagstone or concrete
SOUTHEAST-FLORIDA SPECIFIC
Because of climate conditions, Southeast Florida architects brought their own flavors to Mid-Century Modernism, creating a derivative sometimes referred to as MiMo or Miami Modern. Forms were borrowed from Space Age, and colors sometimes from the Art Deco palette. Elements typical of Mid-Century Modern in Southeast Florida often follow functional necessities, such as to collect cooling breezes and to allow cross-ventilation:
floor-to-ceiling jalousie windows
cantilevered canopies and overhangs
exterior staircases
exterior catwalks
walls punctuated by cutouts, so-called brise-soleils
Not too frequently in contemporary, but often in mid-century modern homes you encounter a mishmash of elements which have been added to the property over time. This is especially true if you deal with a property that has to be de-renovated - think Home Depot-front doors with fake Tiffany-style glass inserts, or wrought-iron gates.
If you consider restoring a modern home, researching the original building specifications, consulting with a specialist and identifying previous remodeling attempts will be tremendously helpful in returning the building to its original greatness. Think of the rewards: the daily pleasure and quality of life of not only looking at, but living in an architectural gem.