Exeter Place | AB Design Studio, Inc.

Situated quite literally on top of a wooded hillside, this classic mid-century modern home was designed and built by and for Architect Noel Cook in the 1950s. Following its sale in 2006, the house underwent a process of major restoration. It was a priority of the new owner that the charm and aesthetic of the original mid-century modern style be maintained while updating the home with more space built to current finish standards. After having spent eight months in Scandinavia surrounded by the culture that spawned the movement, the client had a deep appreciation for the style and saw the potential of the original structure to be the starting point for their unique vision.
Architects: Clay Aurell, Josh Blumer
Country: United States 

Removing the wall between the original kitchen and living room was the boldest architectural move completed during the remodel. The resulting great room maximizes access to the spectacular ocean views. Additionally, the home grew—not up or outside of the original footprint—but down into the hillside to accommodate a spacious new master suite.

A new roof, hardscape elements, appliances, and high-performing glazing systems were integral to the modernization of the home. The introduction of board-formed concrete, dry-stacked stone, clear wood finishes, and fine wood joinery help maintain a high level of material integrity, modernizing the palette while celebrating the original spirit of the home’s bold styling. The post-and-beam aesthetic and tongue-and-groove ceiling throughout rounded out the design, as each detail was viewed as an opportunity to accentuate the modern lines of the home and. A number of custom-designed furniture pieces continue this emphasis and are a strong reflection of the collaborative efforts of the client, artisan builder, and architect.