Architect's Note: Balancing Preservation and Renovation at this Mid Mod in Maryland

We recently toured this Maryland gem which was a one-time mid century beauty that was in dire need of TLC. Left unattended for several years, it fell into severe disrepair, but the homeowners knew they had found a treasure. The floor plan was only minimally modified, while living spaces were updated to reflect modern needs and preferences. Many of the exterior aspects of the home, like the carport and brick, were refreshed to look just as they would have 60 years ago. Here’s how they managed their preservation and renovation budget to maintain their remodel wish list.

Splurge A Little…

Although many of the original details were kept intact in this home, the homeowners also wanted an abode outfitted with contemporary conveniences that felt very high quality. Architect Gregory Wiedemann explains, “In most aspects of the home, quality of execution was highly valued. That is particularly evident in the finely crafted American walnut paneling throughout the home. The client wanted to maintain the character of the original home while creating a home that met the needs of a 21st-century family.”

Mid century makeover showcasing a bedroom with American walnut panelling. — American walnut, showcased in this room, mirrors the panels and horizontal lines seen throughout the rest of the home.

…Save A Little

Even for a large-scale renovation like this one, there are always opportunities for cost savings, and Wiedemann and his team discovered an under-the-radar chance to save on the budget, but sometimes you need to forgo an original feature in order to save on the bottom line. “The original home had a very early low-voltage electrical control system for the lights,” Wiedemann says. “Although we investigated finding a way of preserving the system, it proved to be difficult and cost-prohibitive.” On the scale of preservation and renovation, this move came down to budget.

A kitchen undergoing a mid century makeover.

Uniquely Mid Century

The bones of this home and its updated materials and silhouettes are what set it apart from other MCM dwellings. As Wiedemann says, “The carport suspended from the timber beams of the home continues the language of the home, with its exposed glulam beams and steel posts.”

A home in the beginning stages of a mid century makeover with a fireplace in the direct center of the living room.

The floor plan lends itself to a uniquely open feel as well— specifically, Wiedemann says that the “horizontal datum” (a design anchor) created by the wood panels separates the roof from the enclosing walls to provide cross-ventilation and an openness in the home. And you certainly can’t beat that exquisite view of the Tred Avon River.