MID CENTURY MODERN IN BEACON HILL

from Savannah Kruse Research Petition

Architecture Of Ideas Overview

Mid-Century Modern is the architecture of ideas, created by those who believe in forward thinking. Mid-Century Modern is the architecture of ideas. The birth of Mid-Century Modern homes was after the WWII war. The houses had open floor plans and giant sliding-glass doors, which encouraged people to just go outside and be healthy. Frank Lloyd Wright, who trained Mid-Century Modern architects was also a huge influence in the movement of Mid-Century Modern homes. The key elements include flat planes, large windows, changes in elevation, and integration with nature. The geometric lines of the house are regular and rigorous. Flat roofs are common, though modern ranch-style houses had gable roofs. Small steps going up and down between rooms creates split-level spaces. A Mid-Century Modern might have partial walls, or cabinets of varying heights to create different depths in the space. Rooms have multiple outdoor views, or multiple access points, encouraging an appreciation of healthy living.

As a newly developing neighborhood, Beacon Hill is logically spaced out and creates a unique flow throughout the entire suburb. The flow of Mid-Century Modern homes makes it unique to the rest of Kansas City suburbs. Many single families and new families are moving to the suburb that is within close proximity to downtown. The suburb has green spaces and courtyards to encourage community gathering, as well as many commercial amenities that are new to Beacon Hill.

Within the Mid-Century Modern architectural style is the unique house form known as split-level. It’s usually designed very similar to a contemporary style house or ranch but in the split-level configuration. Low-pitched hip roofs are the most common for Mid-Century Modern homes. Roof overhangs are also substantial with exposed rafters on more expensively designed homes. A welcoming and practical feature of these houses is the recessed and protected front entry. The simplest front entries are beneath the main roof. Mid-Century Modern homes are popular today because of their functionality and honest use of materials. If you type in Mid-Century Modern to any magazine or house catalogue, you will notice they use every buzz word. Having a MidCentury Modern space both on the exterior and interior of the home is also important, carrying the exterior qualities of the outside to the inside is one of the most prolific qualities of Mid-Century Modern design.

PRESENT-DAY BEACON HILL HOMES

2459 TRACY AVE, KANSAS CITY, MO

2459 Tracy Ave is a progressive new build project in the heart of Beacon Hill. Studio Build, Kansas City, was tasked with designing a 2-story, 3-bedroom house for a family of 4. The Mid-Century Modern home will mirror the same exterior facade as the existing single family homes in Beacon Hill. Above all, the design will revolve around bringing the outside in, focusing centrally on the courtyard area in the middle of the lot with a pool. The program on the main floor will revolve around the center, always leading to viewpoints to the pool. The facade will stay simple, and allow the lines to flow throughout the space leading the viewer’s eyes up and then into the home.

Site Location

2459 TRACY AVE, KANSAS CITY, MO

The site sits off the Beacon Hill commons in an open lot next to two other open lots to the north. The site slopes from west to east, leaving the back alley as the highest point on the site.

Site Statistics

POPULATION: 5,231 PEOPLE

LOT INFORMATION: 0.179 ACRES

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 7,809 SF

PARK DISTRICT: CENTRAL

MAINTENANCE DISTRICT: D2

URBAN PATTERNING | KANSAS CITY, MO | SAVANNAH KRUSE

URBAN PATTERNING | KANSAS CITY, MO | SAVANNAH KRUSE

STANDING SEAM METAL ROOF, 1 1/2/12 PITCH

ROOF, 1/2/12 PITCH

STANDING SEAM METAL ROOF, 1 1/2/12 PITCH

BELOW, OPEN

Facade Iteration 1 Windows

The first case study focused on window placement on the front facade. Separating the spaces more on the interior would sprout the need for more windows on the exterior in order to let more light into the rooms. Focusing on budget, however, the design was soon scrapped due to the large amount of needed glass for the design.

Facade Iteration 2 Gable Roof

The second case study focused on a more traditional approach to residential design. The roof would be split by a structural column and have a double sloped roof. This makes it the most appealing to traditional design from the front facade, but doesn’t mirror the qualities of Mid-Century Modern design enough to fit the mark.

Facade Iteration 3 Simple Design

The third study in designing the front facade of the single family home revolved around stacking the first and second floor balcony perfectly on top of each other. Mirroring the roof in the same fashion was also a driver on the design, focusing on clean lines, flat roof and evenly spaced columns/structural system.

Facade Iteration 4 North Sloped Roof

The fourth study revolved around a perpendicular sloped roof. The design would emphasize creating the interior spaces to lead upward. Having the lower sloped roof closer to the street, and having the higher sloped portion of the roof to the private side yard. This will allow for a grander feel in the interior of the house.

Final Design West Sloped Roof

The final design focused on the most successful use of space and form that matched the existing curb appeal throughout Beacon Hill. The final design allowed for the most successful use of windows from both a visual and financial standpoint. The roof slopes upward, opposite of the site slope that brings a unique design element to the final design.