The most classic and desireable MCM were simply built and typically featured slab foundation and T&G roof. I don't want to say they were thrown together but there really is not much to putting one together. Sure, they present challenges but mine at least is immensely strong and does very well in earthquakes. My home was designed by Richard Dorman who is not as famous as Eichler but he is held in high regard within the MCM community. Dorman took commercial commissions, a fact which holds him back among the artistic purists. Dorman's residential commissions were featured regularly in Arts and Architecture although sadly, mine was not. My home was a so-called "speculative house" and was built to attract land buyers when my sub-division was graded. It was photographed by the great Julius Shulman, who was the visual chronicler of MCM architecture. Schulman's photo collection now resides at the Getty Museum so there is a possibility that my home's original portfolio still exists. Dorman was a pragmatic designer and intended for his buildings to be used and lived in. He did not mind owners modifying his work nor did he rue the day when his structures came to the end of its useful life. My home was built in 1958 and our family acquired it in 1963. The home was retained by the developer for several years so it is likely we were the first private owners. My father hired Dorman to design an addition which was completed by Modern Trends Construction, the original builder. My home was originally a 2 bedroom. Having personally worked on my home, I have a good idea of what it originally looked like. One of these days, I will find the Schulman photos.
Thats very cool!
Sounds like you know the history of your home which is always a plus.
We bought our home from the 2nd owner and after we bought it I found all of the original drawings and blue prints including the landscape architects designs for the gardens in the attic among some old boxes.
This is what my research has uncovered..
Edmond MacCollin A.I.A who designed and supervised the completion of our home was a very respected architect in the Willamette Valley in the 50' thru the 70's. He received his BA degree in architecture from Yale in 1947 & went on to Cornell University to receive his Masters degree in architecture. Eventually worked his way up to partner and later started his own firm in which he was the President & principal partner.
He is best know in Oregon for his commercial and public buildings. I have no idea how many homes he designed. From the ....
1970 American Architects Directory
Other than the 2nd owner redoing the kitchens and baths the house inside was still pretty much unmolested. Some of the things that drew us to the house was that many of the original architectural features were still there and unaltered. Little details like the copper door knobs, the original JBS globe & pendent lighting fixtures, the original Venation plaster walls where specified by the architect had not been "up dated" and painted over after 50 years. We found the original cork tile floors in some of the rooms when we puled up the carpets. Some how the all of the interior wood doors and other wood work were never painted over to "Modernize" the home.
My guess is the original owners worked with the architect and had the house built exactly to their liking & knew what the had built. The second owner not so much & did do a horrible remodel to both kitchens and the 4 baths some time in late 80's or early 90s.
And also did some God awful things to the downstairs living areas and instead of replacing the original exterior cedar siding he installed Vinyl siding. Closed in the down stairs carports (which caused flooding) and a multitude of other sins that I spent 3 years slowly undoing...It's been an experience for sure and then this happened..
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/mid-century-modern-disaster.845740/
We are about 95% completed with water and fire insurance claims but man this house has taken it's toll on us emotionally ,finically and stressed our marriage to damn near the breaking point.
I have a love hate relationship with this house... it has put us thru the ringer!
But the light is at the end of tunnel and we are seriously consider selling it when it's all done!
My other half is over the whole "Vintage" house thing and wants to build a new one..
Me not so much, I have too much blood, sweat and tears to hand it over to new owners and say I pored my heart and soul in to fixing everything and hand over the keys and walk away...
Maybe she's the smart one.
Cheers
PQ