Modern Florida Homes
  • Home
  • Modern Homes for sale
  • Selling a Home
  • Inquiries
  • Why Tobias Kaiser?
  • Contact
  • "Modernist Angle" Blog
  • Services we offer
  • Intro to Modernism
  • Elements of Modern Architecture
  • Preservation
  • Real Estate FAQ
  • Facebook >
  • Deutsche Seite >
  • Net-Leased Investments >
  • About Tobias Kaiser

ELEMENTS OF MODERN ARCHITECTURE

“The urge to remodel is stronger than the sex drive" – Gene Leedy, American architect, describing 'improvements' made to his mid-century houses

Modern Architecture

Modernist architecture is a bit like motorcycling: you like it or you don't. There rarely is an in-between.

Do you belong to the former and wonder if a building – maybe the home you own, or one you saw and fancy – is actually modern? Or perhaps you like modern design but you’re not sure makes it modern? Which puts you in good company – most people are not clear what the typical elements of Modern Home Design are.

This list of some common modern architectural elements may help you along:

TYPICAL DESIGN ELEMENTS

EXTERIOR
  • Flat, shed or folded-plate roofs  – most of the time, but if gabled the roof is low-angled and should have flat concrete shingles
  • Pronounced roof overhang
  • Extensive use of glazing (glass), to create a connection between inside and outside
  • Clerestory and/or corner windows (clerestory is pronounced as in “claire-RES-story”; “clear-story” is incorrect)
  • No ornamentation
  • Emphasis on horizontal planes and/or geometric, angular appearance such as interlocking cubes
  • Smooth stucco, brick, stone or wood as exterior finish
  • Subtle color contrasts if not repainted, often using a subdued natural palette
  • Planters under breezeways and inside walls, or used as separators


INTERIOR
  • Open, flowing floor-plans with room partitioning sometimes by planters, half-walls or screens
  • Space definition by varying ceiling heights
  • Unified central area, including living and dining room
  • Exposed posts and beams, wooden or steel
  • Uncluttered, rather sparse interiors
  • Sky-lit hallways
  • Flooring such as hardwood, cork, linoleum, stone or terrazzo; no carpeting
  • Use of flagstone, concrete, laminates, formica, aluminum, stainless steel and wood paneling


LOCALLY ADAPTED
 
Because of climate conditions, South 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, overhangs and even building sections
  • Exterior staircases
  • Exterior catwalks
  • Walls punctuated by cutouts, so-called Brise-Soleils (

Of course, above is neither all-inclusive nor a check-list of Must-Haves with an 85 % pass rate. Rather, a building may show just a few of above elements but still be clearly modern, while another isn't.

Your comments and corrections are always welcome!
Jalousie window, brise-soleil, overhang
L to R: Jalousie windows, Brise-soleil, Cantilevered overhang. Photos ©tckaiser


PERILS OF RENOVATION

Rather often in mid-century modern homes you encounter a mish-mash of elements which have been added to the property over time. Think Home Depot-front doors with fake Tiffany-style glass inserts, wrought-iron gates, French-Country-style kitchens or S-tile shingles. This often leaves buyers with one of three options: de-renovate, live with it, or keep looking.

If you consider restoring a modern home, researching the original building specifications, identifying previous remodeling attempts and consulting with a specialist will be tremendously helpful in returning the building to its original greatness. The rewards: the daily pleasure and quality of life of not only looking at, but living in an architectural gem.


If you have any questions or suggestions, want to share your passion for modern homes, or to receive the Modern South Florida newsletter, please email Tobias anytime or call him at (+1) 954 834 3088.

___

Site design and contents ©Tobias Kaiser 2007-2022. Any publication, reproduction or use only with written permission.
Home
Why Tobias Kaiser
Contact

MODERN FLORIDA HOMES • 370 CAMINO GARDENS BLVD • BOCA RATON, FLORIDA 33432, USA
TOBIAS KAISER, MSc, CIPS • REALTOR/BROKER • MODERN ARCHITECTURE SPECIALIST
KAISER ASSOC, INC • LIC FLORIDA REAL ESTATE BROKERS & CONSULTANTS
MEMBER NAR, RCA, DOCOMOMO, NCMH • EMAIL • (+1) 954 834 3088


ZERO DISCRIMINATION: Kaiser Assoc. and its agents will not discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin in the sale or rental of housing or lots, in advertising the same, in the financing of housing in the provision of real estate brokerage services, in the appraisal of housing, or engage in blockbusting.
Kaiser Assoc. strictly adheres to the National Association of Realtors© Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice in accordance with Federal Fair Housing Laws.


“Silence is Consent...”  As a multi-cultural office neither do we silently consent nor do we tolerate any type of discrimination, racism or prejudice. We want to listen and to learn what needs to be done to implement permanent change.

Site design + contents ©T.C. Kaiser 2023.  PUBLICATION, USE OR REPRODUCTION incl. parts ONLY WITH WRITTEN PERMISSION.

  • Home
  • Modern Homes for sale
  • Selling a Home
  • Inquiries
  • Why Tobias Kaiser?
  • Contact
  • "Modernist Angle" Blog
  • Services we offer
  • Intro to Modernism
  • Elements of Modern Architecture
  • Preservation
  • Real Estate FAQ
  • Facebook >
  • Deutsche Seite >
  • Net-Leased Investments >
  • About Tobias Kaiser