how similar are 21st century modern and mid-century?

21st century modern and mid-century modern are extremely similar as it turns out. Most decent modern design today has its roots firmly in mid-century. And most mid-century has its roots squarely in Southern California.

Munson Residence, photo by David Harrison.

You are wondering where this is heading? A phenomenal Dwell tour will happen in San Diego (my backyard), November 9-11, 2012. 

The home tour will last two days and is a self-guided romp through ten modern homes, including both new builds and 50s/60s renovations. Perfect for yours truly. Five homes on Saturday, November 10 and five more on Sunday, November 11.

Dwell was kind of enough to share some pre-tour photos. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea for my Aussie blogger colleagues) and prepare to be stunned.

#1 Munson Residence: Geometrics and modern materials 

The flat roofs, the steel windows, even the pavers and concrete. **sigh**.

Munson Residence, photo by David Harrison.

A wall of glass windows and wood floors is very mid-century. I spy Eames chairs and a classic mid-century mantle.

Munson Residence, photo by David Harrison.

#2 Harris Residence: Bringing the outdoors in

This home is 1948 structure. The architects worked to preserve the character of the existing house while expanding and renovating it. This home transitions indoors to outdoors seamlessly. 

Harris Residence. 

The architect and owners also paid close attention to the interaction of the home with the San Diego landscape.

Harris Residence. 

#3 One19 Living Studio: Classic modern architecture

Incorporating this home into its surroundings was important to architect Bret Farrow. The design for the studio was influenced by Richard Neutra, Cliff May (noted San Diego modern architect) and William Wurster (another USC architect). 

One19 Living Studio. Photo by Brett Farrow.

Sweet little pool. We would like a sweet little pool too but wonder if we would ever use it? This one   looks like an oversize Jacuzzi which might be nice.

One19 Living Studio. Photo by Brett Farrow.

#4 Modern Cardiff: Reclaimed timber salvaged from local forest fires

Can't wait to see this house from the inside. Cardiff has many homes on the coastline and this mid-century modern influenced darling was built to optimize the ocean view.

Modern Cardiff

Oh, how I do love concrete pavers. Reclaimed timber from local San Diego fires (I would assume the 2003 Cedar fire, one of ten worst in history) was used in the construction of this home.  Says the architect Lindsay Brown,

Each exterior wood panel is divided by a ribbon of steel framing an individual tree that was cut into planks--some span over 20 feet in a single run.

Modern Cardiff.

#5 Phoenix House: Light and shadow interact

I will be ever so curious to see this home. It reminds me a bit of the exterior of the John Lautner home on Balboa Island. 

Phoenix House, photo by Sebastian Mariscal.

Lots of concrete. The architect in the write up speaks of an "emotional path of discovery" and "introspection." I am intrigued. The pictures don't reveal much, do they?

Phoenix House, photo by Sebastian Mariscal.

#6 Casa Diagonal: Geometric home high above the Pacific

And what do we have here? A house spilling down a hill, which is a common site in Southern California. These precariously perched homes always make me a little nervous because of the earthquakes  But, if homeowners can afford to build their modernist mansions on the side of a hill, then they can certainly afford to re-build them. So I don't worry anymore.

Casa Diagonal. Photo by Dennis Viera.

 Those patios have ocean views for sure. One of the only reasons to build on the side of steep hill.  The "diagonal" comes comes from a wall that runs the length of the house diagonally and is a structural necessity. You can see it in the photo above. It probably retains the slope and supports the house.

Casa Diagonal. Photo by Dennis Viera.

Clearly this home was built for entertaining. This room has seating for twenty-five and they aren't even trying hard.

Casa Diagonal. Photo by Dennis Viera.

The levels open to each other, creating a corridor of space with balconies looking down, topped off by a glass ceiling. How's that for outdoors in?

Casa Diagonal. Photo by Dennis Viera.

#7 Shayan House: Precarious slope conquered

This is another home built on a dramatic slope. It was considered un-buildable, but the architect solved the puzzle with a curving driveway that acts like a bridge into the covered parking spot. How much more mid-century can you get (the covered parking spot, not the structural feat of engineering)?

Eames armchair and other items that only Dana from Mid2Mod an identify. But they look extremely authentic. Fireplace with the niche shelves on the right is so mid-century.

Shayan House. Photo by Reinaldo Solares.

See the driveway curving from street side, into the house, basically bridging the street and the lot. Clever and expensive.

Shayan House. Photo by Reinaldo Solares.

The modular shelving under the window looks to be authentic Danish pole shelving. This kitchen has been kept simple. Only the stove gives its true function away. The angle of the picture makes the eating bar look like it is really close to the cabinets? 

Shayan House. Photo by Reinaldo Solares.

#8 Chavez Residence: 1960s John Mock restoration

This home is a 1964 John Mock (San Deigo 50s/60s architect) restoration. Expect mid-century all the way here. Yay! Perfect mid-century rectangular pool. Lots of windows bringing the outside in, even on the wall above the fireplace.

Chavez Residence, photos by David Harrison.

Awesome patio with views. A peak at a Saarinen table (like my mom had) and Eames chairs through the slider on the left.

Chavez Residence, photos by David Harrison.

#9 Mission Hills Treehouse: Roots in the 70s

The original core structure of the Mission Hills Treehouse was telephone poles, as this is a canyon home constructed in 1978. The owners and the architect wanted to lighten up the house, opening up to views of their unusual terraced garden. 

Mission Hills Treehouse, photos by Shelley Metcalf.

You get a good look at the structure holding the house on the hill, telephone poles and iron beams. You really can see the 70's influence as well. The patio in the rear is a an interior atrium patio (one side open to the hill).

Mission Hills Treehouse, photos by Shelley Metcalf.

Mission Hills Treehouse, photos by Shelley Metcalf.

#10 Sydney House: Tri-level canyon retreat

This home is new construction, but still just screams mid-century modern. Apparently, the architect rescued fixtures, appliances and materials from a landfill, originally from the penthouse of Henry H. Hester's 1959 Salomon Apartments ,and utilized the fixtures throughout the new structure. Luckies.

Sydney House

Sydney House

This San Diego Dwell Home Tour promises to be magnificent. A portion of the Home Tour ticket proceeds will go to Dwell's non-profit partner, Architecture for Humanity. Look for photos in a few weeks.

Which number is your favorite? 

I promise to take more pictures of it on the tour!

Related Posts:

• Dwell San Diego Home Tours #1: Munson Residence
• Dwell on Design #1: Landscape Ideas
• Dwell on Design #2: Modern Wall Planters and Outdoor Furniture
• Dwell on Design #3: Modern Lighting