Westside DIGS | Digital Edition Online

36 DIGS.NET | 12.9.2016 (from top) is home's three-story atrium is accented by steel-framed glass ‰oors and a living tree sprouting from the bottom level for a loft-like, modern tree house eŠect; the dining room features Douglas ‹r paneling evocative of the wood-covered walls that were popular in the '50s and '60s; the kitchen's show-stopping design is highlighted by period lighting and furnishings; the 6,000-square- foot home oŠers a shallow, sloping roof supported by exposed steel beams, reminiscent of post-and-beam construction. A R C H I T E C T | D E S I G N | B U I L D M id-century modern design has become a big hit since its introduction in the 1950s, and thanks to recent TV shows such as Mad Men, its sleek and progressive signature style is more popular now than ever. Nowhere is this more evident than in L.A., home to a wealth of influential modern architecture, with many works in the category considered landmarks. "Los Angeles offered an open palette for experimentation for famous mid-century architects," says Trevor Abramson, design principal at Culver City-based Abramson Teiger Architects, an award-winning firm known for its striking contemporary designs. "Many of the most iconic homes from that era are still standing all throughout L.A. today, and their untouched authenticity makes them all the more valuable to historians and architect lovers alike." Today, the mid-century aesthetic is present in many aspects of modern home design— with standout features including a strong indoor-outdoor connection, along with light- filled open floor plans, and the expression of structure as a form of beauty and design clarity. "Homeowners today are interested in a casual living experience that reinforces a connection to nature," says Abramson. "They are conscious of how a home's footprint impacts the environment and want homes that speak to this connection." Here, a tour of three of the city's mid-century modern masterpieces. The Cohen Residence "Mid-century modern design is a vocabulary that has infinite combinations," says Abramson. "In such, the creative boundaries are wide open." Take, for example, this new ground-up Trevor Abramson-designed home built in Beverlywood for Hollywood writer and director Etan Cohen, and his wife, Emily. The 6,000-square- foot home is complete with three stories (including a finished basement), four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths. It also boasts an in-home office with a private screening room for Etan, as well as an art studio for Emily. Its architectural highlight is a three-story atrium that is accented by steel-framed glass floors and a living tree sprouting from the bottom level for a loft-like, modern tree house effect. All of the living areas were placed upstairs to take advantage of the views, which are only present from the second floor. Meanwhile, the bedrooms are located on the ground floor. "The second-floor living spaces were conceived as one open space under a single shed roof," says Abramson. "The roof is typical mid-century in its aesthetic manifestation. It is a shallow, sloping roof supported by exposed steel beams, reminiscent of post-and-beam construction." By layering glass—from the skylights in the sloped roof down through the semi-translucent walkways and stairwells in the atrium—natural light is able to permeate every level. The open, light-filled atrium is another typical mid-century element, with Douglas fir paneling evocative of the wood-covered walls that were popular in the '50s and '60s. The interior design department at Abramson Teiger incorporated mid-century lighting and furnishings to ensure a cohesive aesthetic. "The couple is a huge fan of famous mid-century architect Ray Kappe," says Abramson. "A lot of the design decisions made in the home pay tribute to his striking lines and material choices. Many of Kappe's homes still exist around L.A." photos courtesy of Jim Bartsch

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