This neat little mid-century house has a number of lovely design features. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, and originally built in the 1950s, the Ocotea House, as it is called, was renovated this year by architects In Situ Studio. They have brought it bang up to date.
One major change that the firm have introduced to the mid-century design is a drastic colour change. The exterior brick was originally a traditional red. It is now a deep blue. This is the most obvious example of a contemporary aesthetic which pervades the rest of the renovation.
Besides that, the studio removed a section which adjoined the main structure on the east side of the house, thereby restoring the unity created by the roof.
Now, instead of this section, they have let the roof continue beyond the house, so as to provide coverage for a carport. It makes for a much cleaner and more unified façade.
On the upper level of the home’s exterior, windows extend all the way up to the border of the aforementioned roof, and follow its shape.
The main, open plan living area is deliberately located, so as to get the most of the light that these windows offer throughout the day. It’s a sensible decision, ensuring that that this is a contemporary home design where the social element takes precedent.
