This original 1958 midcentury home in Hermosa Beach, California, was updated with the addition of a butterfly roof, and a rooftop deck. The front elevation was raised resulting in an updated appearance and an more open and inviting, light abode. The floor elevation was raised in the courtyard to help add to the indoor/outdoor connection of the home. A studio apartment was further added to increase the space.
The homeowners were deeply involved in the renovation particularly with regards to the color, texture and patterns used. The result was a true California beach home. We spoke with the architects at LMD Architecture Studio to find out more about this project.
What do you think was so special about the mid century period in American design?
The mid century design period introduced the idea of indoor/outdoor flow within homes across America, which is an LMD specialty. Spaces that are connected to the outside and where one can gather either around fire or food are very important to me.
The combination of clean lines, natural materials and neutral tones can also be credited to this era in American design – all of which are key to achieving a sense of serenity within the home.
What were your challenges for this project?
It was a challenge to rearrange each space and add floor area to suit our client’s needs and vision without drastically affecting the structure.
What was the house like previously?
The home lacked natural light, flow and the overall open and inviting design that the homeowners requested.
What in your opinion are the best features of the home?
The abundance of large windows and natural light, outdoor gathering spaces (including the amazing rooftop deck) and open floor plan greatly helped to provide an overall inviting and light design. We provided our clients with an incredibly spacious home that is strategically oriented toward its Pacific Ocean views.
Last but not least, do you have any tips for people interested in buying a midcentury house or building a new home with midcentury design elements? What should they pay attention to and why?
Connecting the indoors to the outdoors, natural light and natural flow are of the utmost importance. Also be sure to keep your design clean, simplistic and functional, while adding in a variety of natural materials to achieve the classic mid century style.
Photos by Manolo Langis
