“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
INTERIOR
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:
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!
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!
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.
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.
