The result is an extremely comfortable family home where the Daytons’ children can explore the outdoors in relative safety. This fits the mandate by the Daytons to design a house that is useful, beautiful, and timeless.

Architecture features include grey cedar siding, Honduran mahogany wood flooring, knot-less stained cedar ceilings, mahogany block and steel grand stair, metal roof, and custom built-in millwork window seats and cabinets.

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In a recent MHM slide show featuring the photography of the now deceased Julius Shulman, we looked back at perhaps the greatest modern architectural photographer. As you might expect the paths of Shulman and May did cross. The above photo taken by Shulman is Cliff May’s 1954 Long Beach house (reproduction photo quality is diminished).

Now we present a retrospective of Cliff May houses in photo as a follow-up to our look back at the brilliance of Julius Shulman and his amazing career (he accepted commissions into his 90’s).

The photos of Cliff May houses presented in our slide show are from a collection by Realtor and modernist architecture enthusiast Doug Kramer (photo credit Rochelle Kramer). You can learn more about Cliff May and the California ranch house at Doug Kramer’s Rancho Style website.

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Julius Shulman, the eminence grise of modern architecture photography is the subject of a new feature film narrated by Dustin Hoffman and directed by Eric Bricker.

Having received a lot of media attention for coming out of retirement and continuing to work at age 98, Shulman continues to add to his catalog of thousands of 20th century architectural images including iconic works by Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry.

In honor of this astounding career (so far) we present the following slide show on the master, Julius Shulman. Learn more about the film about the life of Julius Shulman.

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Given the upkeep needed due to the location, Penmar was given a protective orange corrugated aluminum facade which runs in two directions to add interest from the exterior view.

Strategically placed windows bring the right amount of natural light and can help cool the house much of the year. While this often means passive cooling, Penmar can cool via a “chimney” effect where cooler air is drawn in through the windows while warmer air is pushed out through sky lights connected to rain sensors.

Though not LEED certified Penmar does use a number of eco-friendly products like non-VOC paints, recycled materials, and Energy Star rated appliances for lower energy and water usage.

One of the apparent goals of Penmar was to create a design that borrowed the best of more typical suburban houses, and adapt it to an urban lot that had more complicated space restrictions. We like the overall idea and result, and found the project a good one for our latest feature slideshow.

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MiLoft represents recognition that the the future of housing must center on design and engineering advances to make modern eco-conscious housing affordable for the larger population. After initial development in the UK, RMJM is currently developing the MiLoft concept in the US. Building cost per unit starts at just $80,000. If governments in the US can contribute to the development of more “MiLofts” it might spur a new kind of “growth” in urban centers that would put housing related industries back to work.

Here are a few more features of MiLoft followed by a slideshow link:

Zero-carbon technology and sustainable material mean lower energy costs for owners;
Innovative ‘Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery’ (MVHR) technology, designed by Max Fordham Consulting Engineers negates the need for a traditional heating system in most urban areas;
The dual aspect, double height loft-style and open plan living space will provide natural ventilation in the summer, reducing the requirement for air conditioning for hot climates;
Rain water is collected from the roof and redistributed for toilet flushing;
Available in a variety of layouts with one-, two-, three- or four-bedroom apartments and can be combined in a variety of configurations to create six story apartment building;

View MiLoft Slideshow.

The basic itHouse priced at $125 per square-foot consists of two bedrooms, one bath, plus a double courtyard to meld the indoor-outdoor experience. If you want to “make it your own,” there are optional packages and upgrades for kitchen, bath, and solar. Because itHouse is a component driven system you can also change the 1100 square-foot floor plan, move the doors and windows, and add selected furnishings.

A 2008 AIA Los Angeles Merit Award winner, you can buy itHouse from the architect, Taalman Koch.

View the itHouse Featured Slide Show.

View the Featured EcoFabulous Slide Show.

View the MHM Feature Slide Show of Mod.Fab.

A self described “architist,” Mark Wilcox was motivated to design his own house not because of a slow economy, but because he couldn’t find a local architect willing to “push the envelope.” He studied building materials, came up with his own original design and had it approved by an engineer prior to construction.

The result was a 3,000 square foot modernists house that he later sold for $1.3 million. Wilcox enjoyed the process so much he combined the experience with his background as a graphic designer to form his own company in Atlanta called CRE/8. “I want my homes to intrigue and excite the senses, they are more than an environment that you live in, they are places that leave you with a sense of curiosity and wonderment as they are explored and shared,” says Wilcox describing his work.

Today Wilcox has a complete portfolio of houses and continues to seek new clients. The MHM Feature Slide Show is a compilation of his previous designs.

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Last year the firm was recognized for two projects that brought unique challenges requiring unique solutions. In Rolling Huts architect Tom Kundig helped the owner of a former campground set in a flood plain turn the site into a new retreat of modern low-impact huts that are elevated for minimal footprint and maximum view of surrounding mountains. The huts make for a relaxing getaway and can be rented at www.rollinghuts.com.

Kundig also was recognized for Outpost, a combined residence and studio/workshop in the Idaho desert. To withstand the harsh environment Outpost materials include concrete block, car-decking, and plywood. As in Rolling Huts the end result of Outpost is true to its name but updated with modern conveniences while remaining a coherent part of the landscape.

Though each of these are superb examples of site specific architecture, MHM has chosen an older project called Delta Shelter for this Featured Slide Show. Enjoy this 1,000 square-foot weekend cabin whose steel shutters can be closed via a hand crank after enjoying a long peaceful weekend.

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