Events

Winningham / Saffer Open House

On September 9, a2modern will host a tour of the David and Ann Saffer’s George Brigham-designed house.

This expansive single-level home nestled in the northeastern corner of a six acre property provides a maximum of privacy with spectacular views of gardens and forest. The present owners, David and Ann Saffer, enjoy “the long views” both inside the house and out across the lush and level grounds.

Mid-century Modern architect George Brigham designed this house for an elderly client who asked for two wings for bedrooms, an indoor conservatory, and a screened porch, identified in the plans as “the terrace.” The Saffers have enhanced the sensitivity of this house to its orientation in the natural setting by adding a trellis-covered patio onto the terrace, by enlarging the existing skylights and by adding a large skylight above the dining area. They have made the house a most beautiful platform for entertaining.

Arriving by car, one first sees the two-car garage and a covered walkway to two separate points of entry to the house: the main door by the master bedroom wing (west end) and farther down an access door to the kitchen. An axial corridor runs the full length of the house from master bedroom to kitchen/food preparation area along this side of the house. Entering the central core of the house there is one long and quite wide room, gently lit by clerestory windows along the north roofline. The wide floor to ceiling fireplace sets the scene of a large gathering space that is flanked by the dining area, the terrace and the open patio on the east. In the other direction expanses of glass invite one to saunter to the conservatory area (now a conversation spot) and the courtyard between the bedroom wings. The Saffers have placed in this outdoor courtyard a fountain that is audible from the master bedroom and the library.

This is not a simple ranch-style house. The generous interior dimensions of conservatory space, fireplace area, dining area, terrace area and patio area respond to the client’s needs for accommodating gatherings of many people. Equally, the views out onto the grounds and the forest create a sensation of being in nature. A highlight of the house are the eaves and the overhangs left open so as to mediate the sunlight without blocking it. These overhangs are created by the ceiling beams extending beyond the walls of the house, and while unobtrusive at first the effect is pleasure at a friendly presence.

There are many striking design features and designed-in amenities in this largely original Mid-century Modern house. A great new feature involves the tile floor covering from conservatory to the terrace. Its quiet sandstone and ochre colors unite the entire entertaining space in a single sweep and add to the feeling of openness, serenity and naturalness already induced by the design of a gifted architect.

Tickets can be purchased at a2modern.myevents.com.

Thornoaks Walking Tour

Sorry! This event is sold out.

On June 10th a2modern will be hosting a walking tour of the Thornoaks neighborhood. The tour will include several interior visits.  Thornoaks is an unusually intact group of 32 mid-century modern homes, recently designated as an historic district.  Docent led tours will start at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The entire tour is 0.6 miles long.

Tickets to the event can be purchased here.

A small enclave of 32 houses on Thornoaks Drive and Huron River Service Drive, it’s located off East Huron Drive just before the U.S. 23 underpass.  On April 18 the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners voted approval of a request by the residents to designate it as an historic district thus protecting it from demolition or unfortunate alterations.

Thornoaks was developed in 1957-1961 by architect James Livingston and builder E. E. Kurtz.  They carefully laid out the lots to take advantage of views of the Huron River, South Pond, or the woods.  As the parcels were sold, Livingston and Kurtz reviewed the site plans, as the incorporation document states, for “materials, harmony of external design with external structure… placement of walls or fences… and to the location with respect to topography.”

Livingston was a well- respected local architect (1922-1975).  Bob Chance, who worked with Livingston at the beginning of his career noted, “All of Livingston’s houses were contemporary, with lots of daylight.  He did nothing old-fashioned, he wouldn’t waste his time.”  Livingston is best known as the designer of Lurie Terrace.  Readers may remember the cave-like Kales Water Fall, later a Chinese restaurant, and now torn down, which Livingston designed.  Other work included the Bell Tower Hotel, Weber’s Restaurant and Hotel (where the idea of a pool inside an atrium with hotel rooms looking down on it may have been his invention), Lawton School, apartments including Maynard House and one on Pear Street, as well as many private homes.

Livingston’s residence – front

Livingston’s residence – rear

It is known that Livingston was responsible for at least seven Thornoaks houses, but he’s probably the architect of quite a few more, as there are many where the architect is unknown that look like his work.  When Livingston was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1975, he immediately closed his office and went to Florida to spend his remaining time.  The architects working for him took plans for buildings they were involved in, but it is believed the rest of his files were destroyed.

Livingston’s residence – inside

Livingston’s residence – inside

Identified Livingston homes include one he built for himself at 4099 E Huron River Service Drive, now owned by Kristine Bolhuis, the president of the Thornoaks Neighborhood Association, and her husband John Holkeboer, which is where the tour will start.

Livingston was also the local agent for Techbuilt homes and there are several  homes  in the neighborhood that fit the description.  Techbuilts are considered among the best of the modular homes of that era.  Boston area architect Carl Koch noticed that in most homes the attic and basement were the least used, so developed a module home that was just that, a basement halfway out of the ground and an attic on top of it, so both floors were very usable.

Another modular house in Thornoaks is a Deck house developed by another Boston-area architect.  Other local modern architects designing homes in the neighborhood include Ted Smith and Donald Van Curler.

Botch / Aaron Open House

On the afternoon of January 13th the Aarons, who soon intend to sell the Metcalf home known as the Botch House, will be holding an open house for our a2modern friends. Tickets may be purchased here.

Architect Robert Metcalf’s 1958 presentation drawing lifted the Botch House on Chestnut Street just above the crest of the ridge. A rising walkway led to three steps up to the startling entrance portico, while a sweeping white retaining wall created an illusion of floating. It is an extraordinary drawing of an extraordinary house.

A visitor approaching from the street today would see a house gently nestled into the site, the entranceway firmly set on the ground, and rather than a retaining wall (which was not built) a berm landscaped so as to conceal the driveway area at the northwestern end of the house. It is a better solution altogether, and the landscaping and other work supervised by the present owner, an architect herself, won a Preservation Award from the Ann Arbor Historic District Commission in June 2017.

Vintage photos of the interior of the Botch House (see 1055 Chestnut/Old News) emphasized openness to light and the natural beauty of the setting. Sited along a northeast to southwest axis, the all-windows private side of the house facing a golf course receives indirect sunlight all day long. Attention to the sun also explains the elegant screen on the portico: it modulates the raking afternoon sunlight.

In its essence, a “modern” house must be designed specifically for the client. In this instance, Dr. Edmund Botch asked for a discreet area off the master bedroom where he could, when necessary, dress and quietly leave the house to see a patient or keep an appointment. The intricate living area that resulted, including the master bedroom and two large bedrooms, has to be experienced to be fully appreciated.

The present owners, Richard and Yuni Aaron, bought the house in 2006. A series of practical updatings took place in the following years, including replacing almost all of the windows, redesigning storage spaces in the kitchen to accommodate new appliances (without changing either dimensions or materials), replacing carpeted areas with light-toned hardwood flooring, and creating two bedrooms in the lower level area. On the other hand, the buff brown tile used on the portico floor, through the entranceway, and into dining area was left untouched.

When the new owners invited Robert Metcalf to Thanksgiving Dinner, he brought his little black book, in which he had noted, to the penny, the original cost of the house. Two of his trademark touches add romance to the simplicity of its modernist flat roof, continuous expanses of glass, warm tile floor, patio areas, and indirect lighting—an elegant wooden screen separates the dining area from the portico entrance; and on either side of the living room fireplace, niches of purple-rose stained glass complement the pink marble of hearth and over mantle.

It is a big, very proud house, now updated by an architect who thoroughly understands the legacy of a brilliant architect. Together, the Aarons have earned the right to the re-identification of this house as the Botch/Aaron House.

Written by: Jeffrey Welch

Mies van der Rohe’s Lafayette Park

Sold Out

Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
When: Saturday, September 9th, 2017
Cost: $30/person, registration required

Detroit’s Mies van der Rohe Historic District in Lafayette Park includes 186 cooperatively owned Town House and Court House units, three apartment towers, an elementary school, a retail district, and a 13-acre park known as the Lafayette Plaisance.

The neighborhood has been hailed as “one of the most spatially successful and socially significant statements in urban renewal” and as a “prototype for future urban development predicated on human values.” The site contains the largest collection of buildings by the architect Mies van der Rohe in the world, as well as the only group of row houses built to his specifications.

The tour will be conducted by Christian Unverzagt and Neil McEachern, both long-time residents of Lafayette Park. Unverzagt is an Assistant Professor of Practice in Architecture at the University of Michigan’s Taubman College. McEachern, now retired, is a former Detroit Public Schools principal.

Space is limited (only 12 tickets available), REGISTER HERE

LOGISTICS: Transportation is on your own. We will meet at the Mies van der Rohe Plaza in the Shops at Lafayette Park at 12:45 p.m. Parking is available in the shops (off Lafayette). Alternatively, public parking is available on Joliet Place and Nicolet Place (off Rivard) and the plaza may be approached from the north by walking through the Plaisance.

Below are pictures of a courtyard unit at 1320 Nicolet Pl. that is currently for sale.

Regent Drive and Highland Road Walking Tour – 8/17

On Thursday, August 17, at 6:30 P. M., Grace Shackman will lead a walking tour of Highland Road and Regent Drive. The lots on both streets were sold with the caveat that the homes be architect-designed. Architects represented include George Brigham, David Osler, Robert Metcalf, and Aldon Dow.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here. The tour will be limited to 20 people. Meet at the corner of Regent Drive and Highland Road, which is north of Geddes Road near the Arboretum.

Klein Residence Open House

There will be an open house on Sunday, June 11th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 3087 Overridge Road in Ann Arbor Hills. Tickets can be purchase here.

This beautiful home was designed by Edward Olencki in 1962 for the Engels and purchased by the Kleins in 1989.

Once she found herself inside this extraordinary hilltop house, Sally Klein was sure it was for her. Leaving behind their beautiful place in the country (actually Irene Olencki sold their house for them), the Kleins moved into 3087 Overridge Road in 1989. The previous owners kept the house in immaculate condition, so very little needed to be done to accommodate her family. She said that husband Tom, a mechanical engineer, took a little more time but he eventually came around to loving this Midcentury Modern masterpiece (1962) by Edward Olencki, one of three residences designed by him in Ann Arbor.

Edward Olencki came to the College of Architecture and Design at the University of Michigan in 1948, having graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology. He had worked as a draftsman and designer in the office of Mies van der Rohe in Chicago from 1943 to 1948. At Michigan he taught courses in construction materials and methods, comprehensive architectural design, and furniture design. He also ran his own architectural firm, designing homes, churches, and commercial buildings.

The Klein House on Overridge is barely visible from the street, but the ascent up the driveway instigates an Oh My Word! sense of an unfolding palace, white, somewhat austere, rising up a cliff face. The open garage leads the eye to take in the layered forms of courtyard wall, first level, second level and additional chamber farther back. And the house is sited so it’s impossible to comprehend the full scale of the house as it reaches into the surrounding ridge and trees.

Sally Klein made the comment that in the case of this house the outside is more important than the inside. She was referring to the dramatic site but once inside and having climbed the stairway to the main level, the interior dimensions convey an airy feeling of openness and light. Placed on a north south axis, three large rectangular areas accommodate sleeping quarters, living room, and kitchen dining room. On the north end a screened porch looks over a saddleback horizon into forest trees. The detailing in the house, which has remained intact (except for the removal of one bookcase to downstairs and modifications in the kitchen), employs light-toned wood surfaces and large windows. The predominately white interior with black accents adds to the serenity of these light-filled spaces.

For the walkway to the house itself, Sally traded out concrete steps for large granite stepping stones, which better complement the approach to porch area and main entrance. No description can realize how this house takes hold of the imagination. It embodies the essence of Midcentury Modern house design in its use of site, simple materials, elegant proportions and landscaped setting. This is a wonder filled house.

At UMMA – The Michigan Union and the Michigan League – through May 7th

Author: Jeffrey Welch

Here at the Bentley Wall in UMMA, one may pass an agreeable hour perusing photographs, drawings and collectibles related to two of the finest and most familiar buildings on the Michigan campus. Find Level 3 in the new wing of the museum to view the show “Constructing Gender: The Origins of Michigan’s Union and League.”

The Bentley Library in conjunction with the museum has brought together a visual narrative highlighting the Michigan Union and the Michigan League buildings in the context of their functioning as sanctuaries for men and women, who at the time were far away from home and campus bound. Nancy Bartlett, Associate Director at the Bentley and responsible for this exhibition, one of the Bentley’s contributions to UM’s bicentennial celebration, introduced the show on Sunday, February 19^th.

Michigan League

In her presentation (which one hopes will become a collectible pamphlet/catalogue) Nancy Bartlett explained that both buildings originated from the same architecture office, Pond and Pond. And they conformed to gender roles largely defined by the Pond brothers. In a nutshell, the Union shielded males from female scrutiny. It provided a democratic gathering space open to all the university men and not just to club men. In contrast, the League provided gathering spaces where activities could incorporate a desired male participation. The Union was given wide halls, colorful decoration, a billiard room and a swimming pool (open to women from the beginning but with restrictions). At the League, many generous-sized rooms for female and male gatherings opened on the narrower corridors, though some rooms, like the large Hussey room, were for women only. Also, a theater for university productions, given in memory of Lydia Mendelssohn, enriched its cultural attraction.

Michigan Union

The Pond brothers earned their degrees in the late 1870’s at UM under supervision by architect William Le Baron Jenney, and they located in Chicago at the time W. L. B. Jenney was inventing the steel skeleton for the skyscraper. At Michigan, the men had no place on campus to gather or socially to meet with professors or to share a meal. Hence, the drive to build a Union building with a dining room. With their numbers ever increasing, the university women and alumnae wanted (and quickly acquired) a League of their own. By 1922, when the League was in planning, the campus had been given zones along the State Street axis for buildings, with athletics and literary buildings on the south and west and science and women’s buildings on the north and east.

On the Bentley Wall, photographs of the Pond brothers, the long-lived Union doorman, and interiors with students disporting themselves are mixed with elevation drawings, an exquisite drawing of a custom-designed billiard table, and collectible objects in display cases. On one side, dance cards show how seriously students prepared for and pursued the many social activities located in these buildings. The other case displays postcards that served to spread the images of the Union and League buildings, creating icons for “The University of Michigan” that became familiar to people all over the world.

This show is one in a continuing series on architecture, devised by the Bentley Library to enrich understanding of university and Ann Arbor history within the context of developing ideas of modern architectural practice. The Pond Brothers were modernists in their time, and this show gives a delightful glimpse into the nexus of architecture and social life at the university. It is a charming show, one not to be missed.

Book Signing on March 20

We are extremely delighted to welcome and host Brian Conway, the State of Michigan Historic Preservation Officer, to talk about and sign copies of Michigan Modern:  Design that Shaped America, the beautiful book that he and his colleague Amy Arnold have edited.   Our reviewer has found the book to be engaging and an essential resource of Michigan’s modern architecture and design. Read our review.

Brian will be speaking on March 20 starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library, Main Branch, located at 343 S. Fifth Avenue.

Please join us for a stimulating discussion of Michigan’s world-class legacy of modern architecture and the chance to meet Brian and Amy.

If you have any questions please contact us.