welcome to the DETAILS

with Mid Mod Dream Homes

09 2024

Hello Modernists

"What works good is better than what looks good, because what works good lasts."

- Ray Eames

This past Labor Day weekend we were hosting friends, and we got to chatting about furniture. One of our friends was admiring our set of molded plastic armchairs and inquired as to how we came to own them. I enthusiastically talked about my search, the fact they were authentic, though not original production, and that these were Eames chairs - from the great design minds of Charles and Ray Eames. Our friend responded, "Who is Rye-eem?"

This hilarious exchange got me thinking about how a lot of what people miss in design is the funtionality aspect and what makes that design work. What went into conceiving this design? What about durability or lifespan? I love how my chairs look. But what I love more is the hours of design iteration and process that got that chair from a parti sketch to one of the most admired and sought after furniture designs on the market, still, after almost 75 years.

The same can be said for mid-century modern buildings, whether commercial or residential. A structure or space does not become timeless because it looks good, it becomes timeless because it lasts. All the components that make the structure work together to make the whole. I've spent thousands of hours on, inside, and under houses observing and testing their performance. Combine that with my love of design, and I can begin to convey not just that something is beautiful, but how it actually functions to make it so. I don't say this as a brag - I love sharing this information and discussing these topics at open houses, and with my clients, I like to think it's a rare value add and an important tool in my bag when it comes to how I can serve you.

Over the coming months, I'd like to share some of my favorite design and construction details that are common in mid-century modern structures. My goal is to bring greater awareness to the beauty by providing understanding as to why and how they were built, and in turn, an even greater appreciation for it all.

Thanks for tuning in.

-LAWRENCE LIPPARD

MID MOD DREAM HOMES

the ARCHITECTURAL SPOTLIGHT

Tar & Gravel Roofing (Built-Up Roofing) Systems

Perhaps you have been driving through a mid-century neighborhood and asked yourself, "Why are there rocks on that roof?" Tar and gravel roofing, also known as built-up roofing, is a very common roofing application utilized in construction of low-slope or flat roofs.

On top of the roof sheathing (also called "decking" and commonly plywood), consecutive layers of felt paper are laid, and then the surface is "mopped" with hot asphalt - which contains tar - to seal that layer. Sometimes multiple layers of felt and asphalt are applied before the flood coat, a mixture of asphalt and gravel, is applied for durability. Lastly, a layer of gravel or "ballast" is laid to protect the roof as a whole.

Tar and gravel roofs, with proper maintenance, can last 30+ years. That being said, given that this is an uncommon residential roofing application in modern times, many roofers are hesitant to repair or modify them. Some insurance companies will not insure homes with these roofing types. There are modern replacement roofing systems, which include motified bitumen that comes in a roll and acts much like an asphalt shingle, EPDM, or TPO. EPDM and TPO are considered membrane systems. Modified bitumen is probably the most cost effective, while EPDM and TPO are more expensive.

The roof is a difficult component on a mid-century modern home to "preserve", but one of the most important pieces of the home. I recently had a conversation with a potential buyer who was concerned that replacing the tar and gravel roof would diminish the style, to which I agreed. I find this style to be unique and beautiful. A white TPO roof may disrupt the cadence of elevations from the street, but there might be options to maintain that orginal look with a creative roofer, though such ventures are uncommon. If you need assistance with your roof, let me know. I'm happy to share resources!

Tar and Gravel Roofing Diagram

the LISTINGS

I had the pleasure of holding open the Hawkins House in Arapahoe Acres in August, and was lucky enough to identify buyers! The Hawkins House closed at the end of August. Congratulations to the new owners, and a shoutout to Jim Coustas and Jeff Tomlan for allowing me the opportunity.

Thanks to those of you that came by - it was great seeing you again!

MCM LUXURY | 29 CHERRY LN DRIVE - CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE

6/6 - 7012 SF | $3,900,000

LISTED BY NOAH SHUTTE | YOUR CASTLE REALTY LLC

A DOUG BARNETT MCM | 658 POPLAR ST - MONTCLAIR

3/2 - 2072 SF | $960,000

LISTED BY DENISE KELLY | COMPASS

A LIGHT-FILLED BEAUTY | 3030 E MEXICO AVE - CORY-MERRILL

5/2 - 2392 SF | $789,900

LISTED BY ALLIE KIRBY | COMPASS

the LIFESTYLE

Month of Modern - Celebrate modern design in Colorado during the month of September!

M.O.M. Events

Arapahoe Acres 75th Anniversary Home and Garden Tour

Don't miss your chance to celebrate the historically significant MCM neighborhood, Arapahoe Acres, on Sunday September 15th - I'll see you there!

Click for more info and tickets

Curious about Charles & Ray Eames?

Visit EAMES OFFICE for bios, history, furniture catalogues and more!

Needing to find that perfect piece to finish your living room or office?

Check out In The Wild Sales at Antiques Etc., located at 5736 E Colfax Ave., Denver - it's one of my favorite spots for unique, vintage MCM furniture and accessories!

meet the AGENTS

Thank You for reading this month's issue of

the DETAILS | by Mid Mod Dream Homes

Lawrence Lippard

broker associate

m: 704.880.8291

lawrence.lippard@compass.com

Stephanie Kroll

broker associate

m: 303.345.5886

stephanie.kroll@compass.com

Follow us on Instagram:

@midmoddreamhomes & @lawrencewlippard

Ready to find your place?