When renovating historically relevant homes and sites, we often seek opportunities to celebrate original building elements that reflect the character, design intent and living history of a space.

Integrating these details into a new programmatic context creates continuity among the old and the new and contributes to a thoughtful and unified concept balancing function with existing form.

At this phased renovation to a 1960s single level courtyard home, progress photos convey one such feature of the original midcentury design- the exposed door header.

The typical interior condition, under construction at the master bath below, illustrates the modernist, minimal and honest approach to material transitions, with a simple metal jamb that extends vertically beyond the door frame to meet the ceiling, defining the rectangular plane where the drywall terminates.

Restored and lacquered to match the solid core door below, the repeated assembly establishes a spatial rhythm, subtly highlighting the patterns of recessed planes as they occur at hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

The effect is further underscored by the same finish treatment applied at select exposed ceiling beams.

The redesign of the exterior celebrates structural headers materially in a similar manner, with beams at the garage and courtyard receiving new smooth stucco to contrast the slatted wood privacy wall and adjacent glass garage door below.

From the approach, the new cedar awning frames the horizontal structure from above, creating an architectural and visual language that continues at the interior, establishing a cohesive, integrated and historically relevant aesthetic for this reimagined mid-century home.

Visit the project portfolio page to view more construction photos and renderings or take a look at previous updates for more detailed information and related links.

Design Details + Mid-Century Door Headers