Purchase a piece of mid-20th century California history with this 1955 Pasadena residence
Buff, Straub, and Hensman's Iconic Conrad Buff II Residence Up for Sale
The renowned mid-century modern architecture firm, Buff, Straub, and Hensman, has made a significant contribution to the architectural landscape of Southern California. One of their most iconic self-designed projects, the Conrad Buff II Residence, is now available for purchase via Sotheby's Realty, Los Feliz Brokerage.
Historical Background
Founded by Conrad Buff II, Donald C. Hensman, and Albert Martin Straub, Buff, Straub, and Hensman became a significant force in Southern California's post-war period. Known for their aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsive designs, the firm's work is characterized by a blend of modernism and functionality, often incorporating elements of the natural surroundings.
The Conrad Buff II Residence
The Conrad Buff II Residence, located in Pasadena, is a prime example of the firm's mid-century modernist architecture. The house is arranged in a north-south linear configuration and is tucked into a hillside overlooking a canyon. The entrance facade is defined by an elegant carport with a shallow-pitched roof and slender structure.
Behind automated gates, the carport leads to the front door and also to the deck and naturally planted garden by contemporary garden designer Ivette Soler. The house, after a full renovation and extension by Dennis Smith in 2017, boasts updated walnut cabinetry and storage, cork flooring, and bedrooms with direct access to the garden.
Neighborhood Gems
The neighborhood surrounding the Conrad Buff II Residence is filled with low-key architectural gems. Many of these houses follow the mid-century playbook of single-storey, open plan houses, making the most of the Californian climate with their sliding glass walls and slender steel or timber structures.
A Legacy of Innovation
Buff, Straub, and Hensman's architectural legacy is marked by their innovative designs that not only reflected the modern movement but also adapted to the Southern California environment. Their work continues to influence contemporary architecture, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and harmony with nature.
For more information about the sale of the Conrad Buff II Residence, visit SothebysRealty.com.
This home-and-garden renovation project, found behind automated gates in the Conrad Buff II Residence, was handled by Dennis Smith in 2017. The updated lifestyle, encompassing walnut cabinetry, cork flooring, and bedroom access to the garden, is a testament to Buff, Straub, and Hensman's enduring innovation, which continues to shape contemporary architectural design, seamlessly blending simplicity, functionality, and a connection with nature.
