Pristine Mid-Century Modern | Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A., 1956 - Encino

3736 Hayvenhurst Ave, Encino, CA - Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A, 1956 - $2,199,000

Take in this private mid-century modern post and beam home located in the hills of Encino, CA, showcasing the masterful work of Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A.  Now on market ( MLS# 16-160888 ) asking $2,199,000, while looking for it's third steward to care for this "Mid-Century at a Classic Level." 

Set above the street and up the curvy drive, you come upon a somewhat modest facade, but tasteful, all the same.  The true surprise and joy comes when you walk through the front door and into this world of strategically placed fenestration offering seamless fluidity of environment that permits an infusion of natural light.  Architectural details and design further you through the home and out into nature.  

Redwood walls extend from the outdoors and into the reception area where you will find a large closet area behind the paneled pop-out doors, seamlessly hidden.  This freshly painted home is tight as a whistle and it shows from the moment you enter the home.

I always enjoy seeing how Fickett designed homes with his attention to bringing the outdoors-in, through his use of fenestration and architectural details, such as carrying the slump brick from the garden into the home and the usage of clerestory & skylights.  While creating a partition wall to separate the reception area from the eating area, he follows through with a contiguous motion of design. The eating area is delightful with a wall of windows and a door leading out to an intimate garden area with bubbling fountain.  

The soul is lifted in this home through its high ceilings and thoughtful spacial details.  Due to the spaciousness of this design, originally conceived by Fickett in 1954 for G.M.B. Corp. and Elwain Steinkamp, Fickett received the National Association of Home Builder's award for single-family residential planning. 

Fickett was noted in the May 1955 issue of House Beautiful, showcasing his award-winning plan. This particular home was given an addition by the architect shortly after being built  in 1956 to add a generous-sized Family room and creating a total 2,270 square feet* of interior living space.  The design was noted for its freestanding fireplace in the center of the home providing definition without confinement.  You can't help being engaged by many elements of texture and pattern throughout.

The newly laid French white oak hardwood floors throughout the living area and sleeping quarters provide a polished, yet organic feeling to the home.  The wood provides that lovely natural element in keeping with the mindset of the modernist.  You will also find Herman Miller "Bubble Lamps" throughout this home, and they all come with the sale.

Another lovely feature of this home is the custom chef’s kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, Caesarstone countertops and plenty of storage space in the kitchen, as well as in the pantry.  The fenestration looks out onto the pool area, while the galley type plan features a breakfast bar and open to the eating area.

Off of the kitchen you will find the Utility room where washer and dryer can be found, along with the wine refrigerator.  Set in the corner is a built-in desk area for a quick study.  You also find access to the 2-car garage through this room. 

The original owner created a Family room addition, also designed by Fickett.  The current owners converted the room into an incredibly spacious Master bedroom suite.  Find comfort and tranquility within this area of the home, just footsteps from the pool.  Clerestory windows align the northern wall while a set of sliders and a corner of windows allow plenty of natural sunlight.  On those cooler Southern California evenings, enjoy the gas-starter fireplace and cuddle-up with someone you love or grab the latest best seller for a comfortable read.

The Master en-suite is like taking a moment at a luxurious spa.  Beautiful light from clerestory windows and a large plate window above the tub provides clean solar gain.  Go ahead.  Treat yourself to a Caviar Facial.  Double sinks are mounted to a milled floating vanity while the wet area provides double shower heads and seating bench.  Access to the walk-in closet can be found through pocket-doors from the bathroom or bedroom.

On the north-side of the home, you find the original sleeping quarters.  As you move through the central hall with skylights, you find the main bathroom with skylight and floating milled vanity.

The second 'Master bedroom' is a tranquil retreat with a north-facing wall of windows infusing a steady stream of muted sunlight.  The tasteful en-suite provides double sinks and shower area.

The Jack-n-Jill bedrooms join by an original birch accordion wall.  You will notice the partition wall of slump brick with glass above slotted into the masonry giving a sense of freedom and flow.

This home is ideal for anyone looking for spaciousness, privacy, architecture and design. Everything you see within this home is an example of "Pride of Ownership."  The home resides on a 20,976 square foot hillside lot (.485 acre) with a bounty of nature and mature greenery surrounding you, while keeping life private. 

A large patio area with a built-in seating nook rests outside the living room.  The pool embedded into the hillside bedrock was originally installed by Atlas Pools and has recently been resurfaced. The pool is not heated, but the spa certainly is.

Climb up a few railroad ties in the hillside and come upon an Observation deck to catch more beautiful foliage of the Encino hills within the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains.

There are numerous upgrades and features including Nest system, water purification, tankless water heater, sound system reaching indoors and outdoors, along with a security system installed(ADT).  Reports are on hand for anyone interested in reviewing the condition of the home. This post and beam home has only seen two owners.  Sellers are now sharing their pride of ownership with you.  Come see why this is an award-winning home design. 

You can find similar plans around Los Angeles in neighborhoods such as Brentwood, Bel Air, Encino and Sherman Oaks where Fickett and G.M.B. Corp. collaborated often.  Elwain Steinkamp (G.M.B.) and Fickett were forces to be reckoned with as they made an impact in housing throughout Los Angeles during the post-war movement. This relationship and collaboration would prove fruitful as the two men built many homes together as developer and architect, respectfully.

For more information or to set up an appointment to see this timeless design, please contact Steven Ward, Modern Homes Los Angeles, +1-213-305-8537.

*Square footage is based on a current performance by a professional floor planner.  All buyers must due diligence in regards to square footage, bed / bath count, permits, etc. 

Special thanks to Claudia at Modern Mecca.  You got game, girl!

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Coming Soon! Pristine Mid-Century Modern Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A., 1956 4 Bd | 4 Ba | Pool | 2,720sf Encino, CA Offered at $2,199,000 Contact us for more info. #MidCenturyAtAClassicLevel #ModernHomesLosAngeles #ModernHomesLA #MHLA #EdwardHFickett #EdwardFickett #EdFickett #FAIA #Architecture #Design #MidCenturyModern #MidCentury #Atomic #AtomicRanch #Modern #Modernist #MidCenturyArchitecture #PostAndBeam #RealEstate #ComingSoon @modern.mecca @interiorpixels @AtomicRanch

A video posted by Steve Ward (@modernhomeslosangeles) on Sep 18, 2016 at 9:00pm PDT

House Beautiful, 1955 - Maynard Parker, Photographer

Edward H. Fickett: The Miller House, 1973 - Malibu

24142 Malibu Rd, Malibu, CA - "The Miller House", Edward H. Fickett, 1973

One of many beach homes designed by Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A. along the shores of Malibu, is "The Miller House".  This was one of Fickett's later Malibu works of architecture built in 1973.  Many of his homes in Malibu were built in the fifties.  Some designs are still around and some have fallen victim to demolition through the years. This particular mid-century modern post and beam design is a thoughtful light-filled retreat triggering the creative side of one's soul.  Through a open floor plan and natural light through Fickett's beautiful fenestration design and expressing his knowledge of how solar gain effects the environment, The Miller House enlivens your love for mid-century modern architecture, mid-century.  Upon driving up to the beach house located at 24142 Malibu Road, Malibu, CA you find a severe roof line jutting up to the sky over the double-entry doors and two-car garage.  Hidden behind this facade lies a wonderful example from a master architect.  As you pass through the double doors off of the street, you enter a private garden area where you can't help but notice the pop of bright orange entry doors.  The incredible design is being offered for $8,000,000 and worth every penny!    If you are a qualified buyer and would like to see this work of art, please contact modern homes los angeles to set up an appointment.

Once you step inside The Miller House, you are greeted by an open two-story open plan living space with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean only footsteps away.  By far, the is the home of the week.  The soaring ceiling take you up to the heavens.  Architectural moments are throughout this home.  Wherever the eye takes you, it becomes a visual sensation that brings a sense of relaxation and of a world beyond. 

Step down into the conversation pit at the rear of the home creating a comfortable atmosphere for an intimate affair while taking in stunning views of the ocean or snuggling up to a cozy fire.  Fickett uses smoked windows in the conversation pit to cut any glare from the outdoors and reducing the tendency to squint your eyes to look out over the ocean views and sunsets. 

The open plan living space with walls of glass that take you out to nature, provides a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.  The soaring ceiling heights provide light to cascade through plate glass and fall upon the custom ceramic tiling below. 

The kitchen allows you access to guests and entertaining through its pass-through window to the outdoor seating area, while connecting you to the interior dining area and living space.

Past the kitchen is the utility area, which also leads to the downstairs bedroom, one of two in this design.  Check out Fickett's hidden Ironing Board below.  He had a fascination with clever design; form and function. 

Through the laundry area, you pass through the downstairs bathroom and into the quiet, private and tranquil downstairs bedroom, which is off of the entry garden in the center of the house.

Back inside the house is a custom staircase design, which connects the lower and upper floors while providing a sculptural element with the wooden banisters. 

The second floor of Fickett's Miller House includes a master suite with en-suite bath and sitting area with a dry sauna.  The crows nest seating area at the top of the stairs provides a cozy seating area, while allowing the amazing views of the Pacific.  Through the crows nest, you walk out onto a private outdoor entertaining area.  This provides access to the massive artist studio and work area above the garage, as well.

The master bedroom is at the back of the house with a balcony offering incredible views of the ocean, while taking in cool breezes off of the water.  Again, Fickett utilizes smoked glass for the wall of windows facing the ocean to reduce the solar gain.

Off of the master bedroom is the en-suite dressing area and bathroom.  The contiguous use of the wood panel throughout the home continues through this upper suite section of the Miller House.  Fickett's dressing areas are always of brilliant design, as he was always successful with storage and closet space.  Through the hall with high ceilings and drop lighting fixtures, you find storage for all your needs, along with a vanity with amazing natural light from the huge window above. 

Through the master bathroom, you enter a sitting area with more closets, sliders that go outside to the seating area on the deck and a dry sauna!  How seventies...  But, you have to admit, with today's challenges, it might be nice to actually utilize the sauna for therapeutic reprieve.  This master suite is like nothing you have ever seen before. 

Off of the seating area is another bathroom, which also serves the upstairs living areas.

As mentioned earlier, the second story also provides a private seating area on your way to the studio above the garage.  Even while up on this deck, Fickett provides you with an ocean view, seen through the sliders, bannister and plate glass on the back of the house.

Original Fickett designed lighting fixtures are found throughout this home.  Many people do not know that Fickett was a designer of all that he worked with as an architect.  He worked proficiently in each craft from ceramics to metal work.  Even his stairs often make you stop and look.  He customized and carried through an artistic styling throughout his designs. Below is an example of his sleekly designed outdoor lighting fixtures.

Basic white globe lighting fixtures hang from the slatted wood trellis that join the main house to the incredible studio over the garage.

You step inside this very large studio and are immediately impressed.  Fickett understood the creative brief on this house and delivered.   As one of the owners was a painter, it was important to have proper light.  With an incredibly high ceiling and a very large window to provide ample natural light for painting, you can't help to appreciate the love for art.  The studio itself is inspirational, as it provides an uplifting feeling.  The way Fickett engineered the garage structure is really something, and isn't something you see everyday.  The studio also has a work station with built-in bookcases.  You will notice a window in front of the desk.  When you look out that window, you see the ocean through fenestration of the Miller House and out to the ocean.  Such is the thoughtfulness and genius of Edward H. Fickett. To note, the home is currently displaying the owner's artwork throughout the staging.

So, some would say I am leaving the best elements of this house for last?  After all, this home is located on the beach with breathtaking views and ocean breezes.  The back yard is a lovely retreat with brick work down by the ocean, a grassy area for kids to play and then up to the large deck for entertaining.  Waves crash against the rock walkway, which leads down to the beach for some surfing adventures. 

The deck outside of the kitchen enjoys a connection with the indoors through the pass-through window and large sliding doors.  It becomes an area where people join together out in nature with the elements all around you.  You will notice Fickett provides glass partitions to block the wind.

Next door is another example of an Edward H. Fickett, F.A.I.A. design.  The neighboring home was built in 1974 after the Miller House.  I tell ya, I think he got inspired by the Miller House studio / garage as Fickett utilizes a similar roof line of the garage for the home next door.

It was a lovely day up at the Miller House and I believe the next owner will truly love this home.  It deserves an owner who wants fine design in a relaxed setting.  If you are a qualified buyer and would like to see this work of art, please contact modern homes los angeles to set up an appointment.

Map of 24142 Malibu Rd, Malibu, CA 90265

Listing and some photos courtesy of Madison Hilldebrand, PT-Malibu.