Features of Mid-Century Modern Architecture

The architectural features of the Mid-Century Modern home all support the main goals of this style of building: simplicity, minimalism, connecting the indoors with the outdoors; encouraging occupants to experience the health of the outdoors, accentuating natural light flow.

The Mid-Century Modern architecture is characterised by a few notable key features:

• Flat, gable or butterfly roof.
  • The butterfly roof has no gutters, as water can only run off in two locations –either end of the valley of the roof. This style is popular in drier climates due to its easy ability to collect rainwater and it also allows for easy installation of solar panels. The style also allows for larger windows and high ceilings, letting in much natural light.
• A mix of materials, but often wood with brick or stone.
• Structural transparency.
• Often only one level, but some do have more.
• Expansive windows and sliding glass doors.
• Open interiors.
• Harmony between interior and exterior design: extending interior building features to the exterior or vice versa, such as brick walls, or interior beams to support roof overhangs.
• Changes in elevation with interior split level spaces created with small steps between rooms.
• The interior of the home is well integrated with nature, with multiple outdoor access points or rooms with varying exterior views. Sliding doors and patios were featured.