September 26, 2005
Buff and Hensman Modernists
Press Release: Architecture Fans Gain Rare Access Into Ultra-Cool California with A Celebration of Conrad Buff III and Donald Hensman
Discover the world of renowned architects Conrad Buff III and Donald Hensman - who helped defined the ultra cool and casual Californian modern architecture scene of the 1950-60s - with a mid-October tribute to the design duo that will feature tours of Buff and Hensman homes, a symposium and opening night reception in a Buff and Hensman home.
Here's an overview of the upcoming events:
Home Tour - October 15
Sponsored by USC School of Architecture, the Friends of the Gamble House and the Pasadena & Foothill Chapter AIA, the home tour will feature some of the best work of Buff and Hensman who helped to revolutionize modern architecture the world-over, says Edward Bosley, director of the Gamble
House.
"Before his death in 2002, Hensman personally selected these homes as outstanding examples," says Bosley who added that Buff's own home - hristened Rapor - will be part of the tour. "These homes are rich in history and for those interested in modern architecture; this tour will be a great lesson in how master designers worked with materials, the surrounding landscape and the client's needs."
Indeed, the influence of Buff and Hensman is significant, according to Barton Anderson, president of the Pasadena & Foothill AIA. "They helped define an era with dynamic designs that are evocative of the quintessential Southern California lifestyle," he says, adding that Buff and Hensman played an important role in articulating a regional style of "beauty, grace and what have proven to be highly sought after homes."
Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 15th, the shuttle tour will take ticket holders into five private Buff and Hensman homes, some never before open to the public. The homes featured on the tour include:
- Bass Residence, Case Study #20
Using several, innovative and prefabricated Douglas fir plywood products as part of its structural concept, this newly restored Altadena house (built from 1958-60) is based on a structural grid module of steel columns and plywood box beams. All major rooms open directly into a garden court. Diffused and cove lighting are used throughout creating warm and intimate spaces.
Conrad Buff III (Zendle/Hansen) Residence
Built in 1977 for himself and his wife, Buff called this modest 1,600 square-foot house Rapor. Perched on a private knoll and with views of the entire San Gabriel Valley, the house is a peaceful, secluded retreat. Materials used here are simple but elegant: redwood, teak, stucco, glass and quarry tile. Natural and artificial light are essential components of the design which includes 75 light sources that are in the living room alone.
The Hernandez Residence
Built for a large family, this Pasadena house has an imposing view, accommodates three children's bedrooms (each complete with a study), bath and large wardrobe area. Reached by a concealed spiral staircase is an office with a balcony that overlooks the first floor and the stunning views. A spline of tan limestone leads outside to a waterfall and reflection pool.
The King Residence
Under the historic Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena that spans the Arroyo Seco, this sheltered hideaway is true Southern California living that takes advantage of an open atmosphere with no hallways or formal separations. Outside, pathways are defined by gravel, concrete and railroad ties and the terraces are surrounded by the remains of a river-rock wall.
The Moseley Residence
Situated on a Pasadena hillside, this house features a dramatic 180-degree view of the San Gabriel Valley. The one-story house takes full advantages of its modest size with flowing spaces connecting the rooms. From the motor court, an 8-foot, carved, sliding gate serves as the dramatic entrance to the interior reflecting pool and house
The Buff and Hensman home tour is for adults and children 12 and older.
Public parking and shuttle pickup for the home tour event is at the Parsons
Engineering parking structure on Union Street between Fair Oaks Boulevard
and Pasadena Avenue.
Buff and Hensman Symposium with James Steele, Oct. 11
James Steele, editor of the 2004 book Buff & Hensman will lead a 7:30 p.m. panel discussion at the Neighborhood Church, 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena.
Buff and Hensman Opening Night Reception, Oct. 14
Buff and Hensman's Shiell-Shallack (Peck) residence in Pasadena will be the scene of a reception for modern-architecture-lovers at 7:30 p.m.
Ticket information for Buff and Hensman Celebration events
Ticket prices are:
October 11 lecture: $15;
October 14 opening reception: $35;
October 15 house tour: $75.
Pasadena & Foothill AIA members and Friends of the Gamble House receive discounted package price of $100 - a savings of $25. Individuals may join the Friends of the Gamble House when purchasing tickets and receive the discounted package price.
For more information on any events and to order tickets, call 626-793-3334
ext. 52.
About Conrad Buff III and Donald Hensman
Born in Nebraska in 1924, Donald Hensman graduated from Hollywood High School, served in the navy during World War II and entered USC School of Architecture on the GI Bill in 1948. At USC, Hensman met his collaborator of 40 years, Conrad Buff III. Born in Los Angeles, Buff also arrived at USC after wartime service in the Navy. Both were elevated to Fellowship in the AIA: Buff in 1980 and Hensman in 1982.
Like other architects who participated in the Case Study program of the '50s and '60s, Buff and Hensman were partial to post-and-beam construction, glass walls and floor plans that often served as elegant solutions to difficult sites. Producing an impressive body of work during their long partnership, Buff and Hensman contributed to the innovative and transformative architectural styles that were to define an era. They designed homes for many celebrities including Joan Collins, James Garner, Steve McQueen, Frank Sinatra and Paul Anka as well as the Governor's Mansion for Ronald Reagan.
Hensman continued to work after Buff died in 1988, creating designs into the dawn of 21st Century. Hensman died in 2002 at the age of 78.
About James Steele
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Steele received his Bachelor and Master Degrees in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. He practiced architecture in and around Philadelphia prior to teaching in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 1980-1990.
Steele served as the Senior Editor at Academy Editions from 1990-1991 and has been an associate professor at USC since 1991. His publications include: The Complete Works of Hassan Fathy; Los Angeles: The Contemporary Condition, Architecture Today and Architecture and Computers.
About Friends of the Gamble House
Friends of the Gamble House is a membership organization and support group composed of individuals, corporations and organizations dedicated to the development of the financial support necessary for the preservation, maintenance and operation of The Gamble House. Deeply involved in the support of educational activities and the enrichment of The Gamble House public programs, the "Friends" also offer annual Scholar-in-Residence Fellowships to two upper division students in the University of Southern California School of Architecture.
About the Pasadena & Foothill Chapter, AIA
The AIA was founded in 1857 and the Pasadena and Foothill Chapter in 1948. Through education, advocacy, community involvement and public outreach, the AIA and its members work to achieve a humane built environment and to assure high standards of professionalism for member architects.
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