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Buena Loma: Mid-Century Case Study of Floor Plan + Fenestration

The modest ranch, built in 1948, imbues the aesthetics of the mid-century modern philosophies through its design and floor plan. It's the perfect case study for modern living. The transference of solar gain and natural light coming through this home is perfect. As you will see, fenestration reflects the position of the home on its site with the wall of glass facing north, modest windows on the east, a deep eave over entry area keeping the sun's harsh rays just outside of the interior space. The western exposure features only one window, in the kitchen above the sink area. Also, allowing for wall partitions of glass, there is a psychology of freedom, not claustrophobia. The floor plan allows your mind to think bigger than what is actually there. This home is truly special as you feel the thought go into the layout and floor plan. Not many homes of this size feature a fireplace dividing the open living area on the north side of the house, a formal entry, formal dining and an eat-in kitchen. With the builder's use of glass to separate rooms, but allow light transference is just smart. You have to embrace the pioneers of mid-century modern. Sometimes, it's not what you see from the street, but the emotions and feelings you have once you walk through the front door. This home enlivens the soul upon entry. Everything opens up to beautiful diffused solar gain. It is a secret little gem of a home. The owners have done a lovely job taking care of the home without disturbing the original design. Kudos!

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1948 Mid-Century Modern Ranch | Who doesn't love a pop of orange!
1948 Mid-Century Modern Ranch | Who doesn't love a pop of orange!
The expanse of the living room wall creates a great psychological effect, as it allows the flow of the room to continue to the outdoors. The living space feels larger due to the glass wall and slider in the dining room. It becomes a seamless divide between you and nature. With the steady transference of northern solar gain throughout the day, the home remains relatively constant in temperature indoors.
The expanse of the living room wall creates a great psychological effect, as it allows the flow of the room to continue to the outdoors. The living space feels larger due to the glass wall and slider in the dining room. It becomes a seamless divide between you and nature. With the steady transference of northern solar gain throughout the day, the home remains relatively constant in temperature indoors.
The fireplace divides the living and dining areas while maintaining a great flow. The fireplace features wood paneling surrounding the handsome brick fireplace.
The fireplace divides the living and dining areas while maintaining a great flow. The fireplace features wood paneling surrounding the handsome brick fireplace.
For a home of 1,214 square feet, finding a formal dining and eat-in kitchen, calls for a smart floor plan. This home is a fine example of smart design. The builder/architect made this home a case study for the modern philosophies of fenestration and functional floor plan and it works beautifully. Thoughtful design of a layout, goes a long way.
For a home of 1,214 square feet, finding a formal dining and eat-in kitchen, calls for a smart floor plan. This home is a fine example of smart design. The builder/architect made this home a case study for the modern philosophies of fenestration and functional floor plan and it works beautifully. Thoughtful design of a layout, goes a long way.
The sole window exposed to the western solar intensity is located above the kitchen sink. The south-facing large window in the eating area has protection from the solar gain by having a deep eave and car port.
The sole window exposed to the western solar intensity is located above the kitchen sink. The south-facing large window in the eating area has protection from the solar gain by having a deep eave and car port.
Comfortable-sized master bedroom with a hand-painted feature wall in teals and blues is the perfect retreat.
Comfortable-sized master bedroom with a hand-painted feature wall in teals and blues is the perfect retreat.
The newly remodeled guest bathroom with white subway tile and dark slate octagonal-shaped tile flooring is a much improved 3/4 bath.
The newly remodeled guest bathroom with white subway tile and dark slate octagonal-shaped tile flooring is a much improved 3/4 bath.
The owners added bonus space to the house by finishing the garage. It's a great studio space for work or just to kick back and watch a film.
The owners added bonus space to the house by finishing the garage. It's a great studio space for work or just to kick back and watch a film.
Having a formal dining room to catch the overflow of kitchen activity is perfect for entertainers as it also connects to the back yard.
Having a formal dining room to catch the overflow of kitchen activity is perfect for entertainers as it also connects to the back yard.
Oversized glazing at the entry allows for plenty of natural light. Notice the interior glass partition wall allowing full exposure to nature from front to back.
Oversized glazing at the entry allows for plenty of natural light. Notice the interior glass partition wall allowing full exposure to nature from front to back.
The flagstone outdoor patio area also includes an outdoor hearth. The mature pines in the background are located on Christmas Tree Lane.
The flagstone outdoor patio area also includes an outdoor hearth. The mature pines in the background are located on Christmas Tree Lane.
The dining room allows access to the back yard entertainers retreat, while allowing the northern solar gain to allow for consistent light throughout the day.
The dining room allows access to the back yard entertainers retreat, while allowing the northern solar gain to allow for consistent light throughout the day.
As you get closer to the entry, the magic begins as light and nature are transferred through large glazing.
As you get closer to the entry, the magic begins as light and nature are transferred through large glazing.
The 1,214sf home has a deep set-back on the 7,092sf lot. The mature pines in the front will drop huge pine cones!
The 1,214sf home has a deep set-back on the 7,092sf lot. The mature pines in the front will drop huge pine cones!
The front bedroom is protected from the solar gain from the east and south with the use of plantain shutters. Notice, there is no exposure on the western wall. It's designed to protect you from the afternoon harsh elements.
The front bedroom is protected from the solar gain from the east and south with the use of plantain shutters. Notice, there is no exposure on the western wall. It's designed to protect you from the afternoon harsh elements.