Midcentury Modern Renovation 2

We are happy to report that Midcentury Modern Renovation, buried in the woods adjacent to Williams Creek and Meridian Hills,  is now complete!  As a result, we would like to thank an excellent team that that helped make the vision a successful reality.  Above all, thanks to our MCM-fanatic clients for another chance to work together, this time to help create the dream-home they have sought-out for years.

Media Links:

Dezeen Magazine: Haus overhauls midcentury modern home in the Indiana woods

Mod-Abode.com: Mid-Mod Makover

Dezeen Magazine – Five of the best houses in Indiana on Dezeen

Curbed Article: 1950s Home Gets Contemporary Overhaul in Indiana

Inhabitat:  Midcentury modern home focuses on sustainability

Dwell Magazine Editor’s Pick (MCM 220)

The Spruce:  9 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Ideas

ARCHELLO:  Midcentury Modern Renovation 2

MCM Daily (FB Page Post)

Atomic Ranch Magazine – MCM220 “Out of the Woods” Featured in Renovation Issue – June 1, 2022 (see print edition)

Great Lakes By Design:  Recaptured Modern (see print edition)

Living Magazine:  A House in the Woods

Project Info – Midcentury Modern Renovation

Architecture:  HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles (Chris Short + Derek Mills)
Interior Architecture:  HAUS with Design Studio Vriesman (Tom Vriesman)
Construction:  Wrightworks (Christopher Wright)
Landscape Architecture:  A2 Design (Eric Anderson)
Photography:  HAUS
Published:  2018 Dezeen Magazine
Honored:  2019 AIA Indiana – Merit Award for Architecture (Preservation/Adaptive Reuse/Renovation)

Process – Design Process

Before Photos

We will be uploading more “before” photos in the near future, so please check-back for updates.

The questions with many residential renovation projects is, “how far do we want to take this?”  “Will it be like a new home?”  “Is it easier and less expensive to just build new?”  “Or is it better to rebuild to our specifications in this desirable location?”.  We discussed all of these questions and more during the design stage.  Ultimately, our client had committed to purchasing the property prior to engaging with the design team.  So when we engaged the design phase, we reviewed big-picture design options focused around client’s thoughtful list of prioritized goals.  And by all means, we didn’t hold back too much in the brainstorming phase.  However, we kept the best ideas addressing priorities and budget while down-scaling some of the negotiables.

Here below is the project site plan.  Please check back, as we will plan to share more of the design process, including a few big ideas and concepts.

Construction Progress – Midcentury Modern Renovation

Demo + New Framing

Construction kicked-off in summer 2016 and subsequently, the project achieved substantial completion by mid-2017.

This Bill Wright original design stood as a time-capsule from the 1960s, until now experiencing only minor alterations from the original build that originated in 1959.  Prior to our involvement, most of the original finishes and materials remained untouched, if showing the wear of the prior five decades.  While existing cork floors, custom wood built-ins, galley kitchen, and floor-to ceiling windows remained in fair condition, original Redwood siding was compromised with insects and woodpeckers.  Furthermore, the surrounding landscape was overgrown and encroaching on the house, and previous owners had sold-off portions of what was originally a larger plot.

As with many homes from prior decades and even this Midcentury gem, we decided to open the space more to maximize views, light, and family engagement.  To that end, our solution included the incorporation of new steel structure concealed inside the pre-existing roof structure.  Equally important, the LVL supporting the steel beam in the window-wall beyond enables maximum glazing and natural light for the open-concept kitchen.  Without a doubt, opening the kitchen to the main living space will be a major enhancement.

Screened Porch Addition

As with many older buildings, the roof and structure needed some attention.  But first, we needed to extend and cantilever the original roof structure to shelter the new screened porch.  To that end, we were able to achieve the extension with 2×10 joists matching original structure, cantilevering them over new steel beams/columns, designed to be exposed.  Exposed steel was a pre-existing motif from the original house at main entrance, so as seen below, we continue that modern motif in the screened porch extension.

Roof

In this south view of the porch extension below, we can see an increase in the “flat” roof-edge thickness.  This additional thickness is for the purpose of supporting a complete re-roof, enabling repairs to deck, allowing for proper roof-slope to drains, and adding a minimum R-24 insulation above the roof deck (check local Codes and weather zone).  With proper design, roofs don’t require ventilation, which can be more efficient than ventilated roofs.  To that end, we have found that many in the construction industry don’t understand the basic building science behind non-ventilated roofs, particularly as it relates to moisture management.  So if you are investing in residential or commercial renovation or new construction, please be sure you are working with qualified professionals.

Site

Accordingly, the site or location is often the primary reason to purchase a property.  Undeniably in this case, both site and house were inspirations, as this property affords beauty, privacy, and enough natural light in and around the Midcentury dwelling.

Rough-ins

The construction team removed all interior finishes down to slab and studs.  Likewise, they saw-cut and patched concrete slabs for plumbing and modified roof structure to achieve open-concept and achieve more interior natural light.  Also, we infilled the original main entry porch to create the “Everything Room” and a conditioned entry between Garage, Mudroom, and house.  In contrast, the team elected to maintain the existing masonry fireplace and chimney, with only upgrades to the floating cast-in-place hearth slab.

Interior Finishes

Custom Built-ins

This Midcentury closet detail below is one of many refined retro-modern features at Midcentury Modern Renovation 2.  Hence, the team incorporated book-matched Walnut veneer millwork at Entry, Kitchen, Bedrooms, Vanities, and TV Room to continue this timeless, Midcentury vibe.  Spring has sprung and Owner has moved-into the project even while mostly exterior work continues forward.

Hard and soft-scaping continues outside, and we are particularly eager to see installation of final exterior finishes.  As one can see, we have maximized exterior windows to capitalize on the scenic panorama.

Landscape

Privacy walls are a predominant motif in Midcentury Modern Architecture, and so we utilized a screenwall to achieve multiple project goals in one move.  For instance, the entry wall (see photos above and below) serves multiple purposes:  one, to frame entry court with material continuing outside to inside, and two, to frame a private outside courtyard.  This allows larger bedroom openings to maximize south light while achieving both privacy and security.  One move, multiple benefits.

Details

As shown below, skylights add a nice touch to the middle hallway and other spaces that don’t benefit from exterior windows.  These two skylights openings were original to the house, and in this case, we upgraded to new units.

Haus midcentury modern  renovation in the Indiana woods

by Jenna McKnight (Dezeen) 6 February 2018

New exterior cladding, a moss garden and a multipurpose room are among the updates to a 1950s residence in the American Midwest revamped by design studio Haus.

The project, called Midcentury Modern Renovation, is situated on a wooded property in Indianapolis encompassing just under an acre.  The surrounding area is known for the presence of several exemplary Midcentury modern dwellings built in the 1950s and 1960s.  The clients purchased the midcentury modern home – built in 1956 and designed by Bill Wright of the Indiana firm Vonnegut, Wright, and Porteous – in 2015, after leaving a note for the owner expressing an interest in buying the property if it became available.  “A few years later, the call and opportunity finally arose,” said Haus, a local architecture studio.

The three-bedroom home had remained unchanged over the decades with the exception of minor renovations in 1967 by the original owner, who lived there until 2013.   The client charged the architects with enlarging and renovating the low-slung dwelling shaded by mature trees.  “Having worked with this client on their previous mid-mod renovation project in 2011, we were excited about the prospect of working with them again on something more comprehensive,” said Haus.

The clients presented the team with a list of goals and priorities.  The initial planning process included Haus, an interior designer and the owners, who together conceived various options for the 2,260-square-foot (210-square-metre) dwelling, which was in dire need of repairs.

Exterior

Woodpeckers and insects had damaged the original redwood siding, and the home’s flat roof required significant upgrades.  The interior also called for an overhaul.  “This house needed everything,” said the architects.  “The wooded site and location in the city was excellent, but the house was 60 years old with mostly original finishes and fixtures, including original cork floors, and excellent examples of custom wood built-ins that didn’t fit the new vision for refurbishment.”

Sitting atop a concrete foundation, the wood-framed home was re-clad in vertical-groove, poly-ash siding with a smooth finish.  Strips of cedar with an ebony stain were used for the entrance area and a dog run.  The team installed a new membrane roof that channels stormwater to “rain chains” on the side of the home.  Owner and Architect retained and refurbished existing roof overhangs.  Haus revamped the main entrance, adding an “inside-out entry wall” that frames the entry sequence and a garden.  The same-style wall fronts the bedroom wing, helping provide privacy and security while still allowing natural light to pass through large windows.

Interior

Inside, the team made a series of modifications.  The entrance features slate tile flooring and a wooden wall that mimics the exterior cladding.  The client specifically requested a new flexible area – dubbed the “everything room” – which the team added just off the foyer and serves as a mudroom, dog area, laundry room and a crafting workspace.  In total, the team added 340 square feet (32 square metres) of space to the residence.

The open-plan living room features an original brick fireplace with a cantilevered concrete hearth.  The team fitted the room with wood flooring, white walls and an eclectic mix of decor.  Similarly, the kitchen and bedrooms feature a range of motifs and materials.  “A mix of period and more modern furnishings pair nicely with the interior finishes, lighting and fixtures to achieve a re-imagined interior respectful of the home’s roots and reflective of the owners’ aesthetic and lifestyle,” the team said.

Throughout the residence, floor-to-ceiling glass provides unobstructed views of the verdant lawn and surrounding woods.  A screened porch with a black stove serves as a sheltered area for relaxing and feeling connected to the outdoors.  The team also modified the landscape around the dwelling.  Owner strategically cleared trees and underbrush to allow more natural light into the home, and modern hardscaping and vegetation, including a moss garden, help “articulate the indoor-outdoor connections”.

Architect’s Statement:

A years-long search for the perfect Midcentury Modern property to renovate finally paid-off for a family of three and their dog. Hidden in the woods near the Williams Creek neighborhood in Indianapolis, this 1956 original designed by a respected local architectural firm remained virtually unchanged except for minor renovations in 1967. Undoubtedly, this was an ideal canvas to help our Midcentury -enthusiast clients carefully re-imagine a home to embrace an updated modern lifestyle.

In its 2015 condition, the existing house needed everything. The wooded site and location in the city were excellent, but the house was over 60 years old with mostly original finishes and fixtures and an overgrown landscape. Our clients had been planning something like this for years, and they had a thoughtful list of goals and priorities. Their primary desire was to achieve a calm, serene, organic space, bringing the outdoors in and indoors out. Maintaining privacy was important, as was the goal to respect and embrace the original architecture.

On the outside, pruned trees and cleared underbrush allow more natural light to the site and interior. New modern hardscape + landscaping extend the indoors outward, helping to enhance and articulate the indoor-outdoor connections. Main entry encloses the pre-existing covered breezeway space and introduces an architectural wall that frames the entry garden. From there the entry wall extends further outward to frame a moss garden around the bedrooms. This horizontal, smooth cedar wall helps with privacy and security while maintaining a view and access to south light.

On the backside, a refined fascia extends further to cover the screened porch addition. New membrane roof and extra deep roof overhangs channel stormwater to new rain-chains flanking screened porch for a sensory experience during storms. All exterior sidings and fascia trims utilize a painted fly-ash composite. This screened porch addition helps frame the new terrace accessible and visible from the porch, family room, kitchen, and dining.

On the interior, the new entry gallery is sized and positioned to greet both visitors and residents with adjacency to front door, mudroom, and garage. Mudroom, aka “Everything Room”, includes space for coats, laundry, dog, and crafting. Dog run for “Otis” is just outside, detailed to match moss garden privacy wall. The inside-out entry wall transitions to form the interior custom walnut cabinetry inside, both at entry gallery and kitchen. Newly-positioned skylights help achieve balanced interior daylighting throughout, much like the original. Original brick masonry fireplace with refinished cantilevered concrete hearth remains, anchoring the opened-concept living spaces against the panoramic window wall. The south portion of the plan includes modestly-sized bedrooms, bathrooms, a family room, and the screened porch, each modified or added to meet new requirements.

Interior finishes include a mix of slate + wide-plank oak flooring on an original concrete slab. Slate tile floors adorn the entry including the front walk just outside the entry door. All new millwork is custom walnut veneer. A live-edge walnut table anchors the dining room, with complimentary reupholstered Eames shell chairs. The bathroom utilizes simple neutral glazed ceramic tile, with solid surface tops. Other furnishings include a combination of reconditioned reupholstered sofas and chairs and other period and modern accessories and light fixtures to achieve a re-imagined interior respectful of the homes roots and reflective of the owners’ aesthetic and lifestyle. Every inch of the space has been redone, including new driveway, windows, roofing, siding, landscaping, and all new interiors including new plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.

Sustainable features include embodied energy from reclaimed structural elements (original slab-on-grade, wood structure, and fireplace). We replaced original direct-glazed inefficient windows with new double-glazed low-E floor-to-ceiling windows for high-efficiency daylighting. New unvented roof system integrating closed-cell board insulation over deck + fiberglass under (R-45 or better) replaced outdated flat roof/insulation + damaged decking. We replaced and added new skylights for enhanced natural interior daylighting. We replaced original small south-facing windows with full-height, high-efficiency windows to allow passive solar rays to heat interior spaces in winter. New high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, HVAC systems, and LED light fixtures further contribute to project sustainability. Light-colored roofing reduces heat-island effect. Resilient , low-maintenance materials (fly-ash siding and trims) clad the exterior. Exterior and interior natural materials include Walnut cabinetry, oak flooring, and Cedar privacy/entry wall.