An abbreviated history

I'm fascinated by the history of mid-century modern architecture, especially in a residential sense and am beginning to research the evolution of these homes in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area. Mid-century Modern (MCM) is a very "American" design movement, though it draws from architecture all over the world: Japan, Scandinavia, Brazil. MCM building began after World War II and reached its height in the mid-50s. I find that I am most attracted to the design of homes built in the 1950s or early 1960s. In the DMV, there were several notable architects responsible for much of the design: Charles Goodman, Charles Wagner, and Louis Kahn. I love the idea of living in a place with clean lines and simplicity but what I find most appealing is the ode to the natural world. Designers developed structures with ample windows and open floor plans, with the intention of opening up the interior and bringing the outdoors in. There are a number of architects, almost exclusively men, that built throughout the United States, pulling inspiration from one another and architects around the world. I did find a few women (Eileen Gray and Alison Smithson) and plan to do more research on their work.

Michael Shaprio, a realtor in the DC area known for his expertist in MCM, highlights three categories of residential structures:

• Custom mid-century modern homes, including designs by internationally and locally recognized architects. These are typically located in nicely wooded areas to take advantage of large expanses of glass and the blending of outside and inside spaces, which are key hallmarks of mid-century modern architecture.

• Communities built and designed by a builder-architect team that sought to create a cohesive neighborhood based on a few basic designs. Five of our local neighborhoods have been added to the National Register of Historic Places for their architecture: In Maryland, Carderock Springs, Hammond Wood, Rock Creek Woods and five Charles Goodman-designed homes in Takoma Park and Homes Run Acres in Falls Church. Others in this category include Hollin Hills, Pine Spring, Raymondale, Wessynton, Truro and Hickory Cluster in Virginia; New Mark Commons, Potomac Overlook, Flint Hill, Bradley Park and Charred Oak Estates in Maryland; and the Southwest D.C. waterfront area.

• Many other neighborhoods have high concentrations of mid-century modern homes that were done by various architects and builders, providing a larger spectrum of styles. To name a few: Kenwood Park, Mohican Hills, Rollingwood, Dunlop Hills and Hollinridge in Maryland; Lake Barcroft, Mantua and Braewood in Virginia; and Hawthorne and Crestwood in DC.

Ryan and I are definitely focused on the first two bullets of homes and have narrowed our search to focus almost entirely on historic homes. That being said, we will continue searching in other neighborhoods where these houses may arise but we do really like the idea of being in a designated area of homes built in the MCM style.