Set on a Los Angeles hillside overlooking the San Gabriel Mountains, the Donald and Dolores Hamilton residence exemplifies the structural clarity and simplicity characteristic of mid-century modern architecture. Designed in 1961 by Japanese-American architect Kazuo Umemoto and recently renovated by architect Sonya Lee, the home captures the core qualities of mid-century modernism, including openness, functionality, and a harmonious relationship with nature.
The renovation addressed structural integrity and vital infrastructure upgrades, such as seismic reinforcement and replacement of outdated plumbing. These improvements ensure the home’s durability and suitability for contemporary living without compromising its original architectural intent.
A distinctive element of the residence is the use of translucent acrylic folding screens, strategically placed within the interior. These screens provide both privacy and softly diffused daylight, creating dynamic, shifting patterns of shadow and light. At night, they lend the building a warm, inviting glow visible from the hillside.
Private spaces were thoughtfully enhanced, with the addition of an en-suite bathroom in the primary bedroom, elegantly concealed within a wood-panelled enclosure. Bathrooms and utility spaces were redesigned to offer more spacious layouts and functional storage solutions.
The kitchen received a careful update, maintaining its original layout while modernising finishes, appliances, and lighting. Throughout the renovation, materials such as custom terrazzo elements pay tribute to iconic mid-century architects like Richard Neutra, subtly honouring California’s rich architectural heritage.
This careful renovation highlights how mid-century modern homes can gracefully adapt to contemporary lifestyles. The project underscores the enduring importance of preserving mid-century architecture as a sustainable choice and a meaningful link to a pivotal period in American design history.
