Mid Century Modern Homes: The Edwards Residence.

The Buff, Straub and Hensmann Studio designed many of the mid century modern homes photographed by Julius Shulman along his career; includingthe one for the Edwards family.

The Edwards residence was designed in 1959 for a mature couple needing a flexible space for their changed family needs. With two daughters in college, the Edwards wanted a house that could enlarge -during the holidays breaks- to a four people’s family to go back to a more intimate  space during the rest of the year.

Buff Straub and Hensmann_Edwards Residence_Photo by Julius Shulman

The house has an elongated geometry due to the narrow lot. Its plan reveals some elements typical of the mid century architecture. The common area in the center -as in the Pierre Koenig Stahl House-, the bedrooms at the extreme opposites communicating with the surroundings -as in the Neutra Baily House– visually connected to the swimming pool and the water to mirror the facade and reflect the interiors during the night to give a sense of deepness, as in the Case Study House #21.

Buff Straub and Hensmann_Edwards Residence_Photo by Julius Shulman

When the daughters were away their rooms became a guest-room and a painting studio.

The long porch paved with rosy beige pebbled concrete stretches the living-dining-cooking area out into the pool zone.The Edwards Residence -not surprisingly- also won a Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects in 1959.

READ MORE: Mid Century Modern Architecture
READ MORE: The Case Study House Program

Buff Straub and Hensmann_Edwards Residence_Photo by Julius Shulman