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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

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 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
Jalousie window, brise-soleil, overhang
L to R: Jalousie windows, Brise-soleil, Cantilevered overhang. Photos ©tckaiser

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.

If you have any questions or suggestions, want to share your passion for modern homes, or to receive up-to-date property emails that match your criteria, please email Tobias anytime or call him at (+1) 954 834 3088.

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Site design and contents ©Tobias Kaiser 2007-2021. Any publication, reproduction or use only with written permission.

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MODERN FLORIDA HOMES • 370 CAMINO GARDENS BLVD • BOCA RATON, FLORIDA 33432
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 2022.  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 >
  • Bio Tobias Kaiser