This Midcentury House Is an Architect’s Dream

Situated in the South Sand Section near Downtown Manhattan Beach, this midcentury modern courtyard house fully enjoys the benefits of indoor/outdoor living, it picks up the ocean breeze while remaining tucked away in privacy from the bustle of the streets.

Designed by Architects Pollock & Palmer and built in 1962, this Manhattan Beach Home underwent interior revisions during the 1980s. Now, on the market after having been under the same ownership for the past 37 years and full of potential, Los Angeles-based Tooke Architects propose a modernized design concept. 

Tooke Architects, owned and operated by Jeremy and Mao Tooke, aspire to breathe new life into the charming home by bringing the current interiors up to date while remaining respectful to the original midcentury modern architecture. A restoration of the home to its original condition would also be a welcome opportunity.

An open plan kitchen and dining area extend in from the homes entrance. In addition to a living area with a fireplace and interior courtyard, a wet bar with a custom built-in ice cream parlor completes the current design of the home.

Tooke Architects propose to freshen up the space by replacing the outdated brown tiled floors with hardwood flooring or seamless Terrazzo flooring. The kitchen would be renewed with new wood cabinetry and an island with built-in seating. The ceiling would receive a do-over of either natural wood or plaster and the courtyard windows and doors would be opened up and adjusted to maximize openness and flow.

The central courtyard looks toward the kitchen, and as the floor to ceiling courtyard doors open, lines between indoor/outdoor living areas get removed. Here too, the large, retro-style tiled space bearing a tiny coffee table in between a pair of wooden armchairs could use an update, for which Tooke Architects have a classic and timeless solution.