Mar Vista Residence by Tim Gorter Architect, A Mid-Century Modern Transformation

Date of Publishing: February 17, 2025

Architecture Design of Mar Vista Residence

Description About The Project

Explore Mar Vista Residence by Tim Gorter Architect in Los Angeles—a modernized mid-century home infused with daylight and spatial openness, featured in Luxury Houses Magazine.

The Project “Mar Vista Residence” Information:

Project Name: Mar Vista Residence
Location: Mar Vista, Los Angeles, United States
Project Year: 2020
Built area: 2,956 ft²
Designed by: Tim Gorter Architect

A Thoughtful Reinvention of a Beloved Home

Designed by Tim Gorter Architect, the Mar Vista Residence in Los Angeles, California is a striking modernization of a longtime family home. The transformation respects the bones of the original structure while addressing spatial constraints and enhancing natural light, resulting in a bright, open living environment imbued with mid-century modern character.

Mar Vista Residence by Tim Gorter Architect, A Mid-Century Modern Transformation

“The homeowners had lived in Mar Vista Residence for more than 30 years and appreciated its original charm,” shared Tim Gorter in an interview with Luxury Houses Magazine. “Our goal was to amplify the elements they loved while resolving the functional issues that had persisted for decades.”

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Architectural Innovation: A Butterfly Roof and Clerestory Windows

A defining feature of the Mar Vista Residence is its ultra-low-profile butterfly wing roof, replacing the original pitched roof. This subtle yet powerful design intervention allows for the integration of clerestory windows, flooding the interiors with natural daylight while maintaining the home’s overall height.

The use of 10×100 steel I-beams keeps the roof’s depth at just 10 inches, offering an elegant and lightweight structural solution. These clerestory windows also provide a distant view of the Hollywood Sign, a feature the homeowners had never realized was possible from their property.

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Preserving Heritage While Enhancing Functionality

Maintaining the integrity of the original interior layout, the redesign prioritizes spatial fluidity and openness. One of the key challenges in the transformation was the existing fireplace, which could not be relocated due to California’s building codes prohibiting new wood-burning fireplaces. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, Tim Gorter Architect turned the fireplace into a sculptural centerpiece, defining the living area, hallway, and kitchen as distinct zones while still allowing seamless flow between them.

“Inspired by the mid-century interiors of Frank Lloyd Wright, we reimagined the fireplace as a freestanding vertical anchor,” explained the design team. “Its basalt stone finish and deep linear scores emphasize its architectural weight and connection to the roof structure.”

Interior Warmth and Mid-Century Elegance

Beyond architectural refinements, the Mar Vista Residence embraces a warm, curated aesthetic that blends mid-century modern principles with contemporary livability.

Custom maple cabinetry and doors introduce a natural warmth, balancing the home’s geometric clarity.
Bespoke shelving in the kitchen maximizes storage while maintaining a sleek, uncluttered appearance.
A** collection of mid-century furniture** complements the architecture, punctuated by the homeowner’s cherished antique radio collection.

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Conclusion: A Timeless Modernist Gem

The Mar Vista Residence by Tim Gorter Architect stands as a testament to thoughtful renovation, proving that a home can evolve with its occupants while preserving its historical charm. By embracing natural light, structural ingenuity, and mid-century modern aesthetics, this Los Angeles residence is a shining example of adaptive architecture at its finest.

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Luxury Houses Magazine attempted to contact the homeowners for insights into their experience living in Mar Vista Residence, but no response was received by the time of publication.

For more exclusive insights into breathtaking architectural transformations, visit Luxury Houses Magazine.

Photo credit: Andy Wang – W Architectural Photography | Source: Tim Gorter Architect

For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: anta Barbara, California, USA
– Tel: +1 805-367-3373
– Email: connect@tim-gorter-architect.com