(continued)
After the show, the 'Style in Steel Townhouses" were quietly sold to private owners; and the dream houses of 1969 slowly began to suffer the fate of most such structures. Changes were made, additions sprouted, and maintenance was in some cases deferred. By the 1990's, the townhouses still appeared distinctive and distinguished from the street, but close inspection revealed Modernism's greatest enemy- seediness.
In 1995, Michael and Malcolm learned that one of the units was available for sale, and their first look at the property was, bluntly, a shock. The design that had been so clean and elegant in 1969 was blurred by layers of gaudy wallpaper, painted-over paneling, damaged travertine flooring, and rusted steel framing. Much of the rust was due to poor maintenance of the roof; dismayingly, it was discovered that some of the visible rust pointed to deeper, structural damage to the framing. Research into the house's "dream house" past revealed even more problems; the 1969 photographs clearly showed a multitude of beautifully designed details that had been removed or damaged, like the original tile lined plunge pool with tree covered island in the front courtyard. Smith and Perry surveyed the damage, looked over their resources- and took the plunge into ownership.
The two-year restoration of the house included a comprehensive overhaul of the roof and framing, with the steel being sandblasted and properly resprayed for the first time since 1969. Damaged bathroom fixtures were replaced, and new Asko appliances were added to the kitchen to augment the remaining GE originals. Disco-era wallpapers were banished, and the underlying drywall refloated. Interior steel details like doors and their frames were freed from layers of cheaply brushed-on paint, and given factory-style surfaces once again.
Outdoors, the restoration continued with re-cladding of the travertine fountain, and replacement of the wire-glass panels that had originally covered the rear courtyard walkway. Cracks and other damage to the stucco were repaired, as well as the cedar louvers in the gate. The remaining Fred Buxton-designed landscaping was used as a basis for planning new work with a Zen-like feeling, which includes plantings of Japanese black pine and miniature mondo grass, with walks of crushed black star marble.
.
The Kitchen retains its original cabinetry and GE wall oven; Devoe's Mignonette is the paint chosen for the walls. The classic Mid-Century accessories from Dansk and Stelton are in daily use. A Zen-like Rock Garden is visible from the Kitchen; the garden is tucked into a narrow space between the house and its carport.
.
Guest Bath amenities include an "Asterisk" clock reissued by Vitra; the original George Nelson design dates from 1950. The Master Bath retains its original cabinetry; a Knoll Saarinen "Tulip" table is from 1956.
Another view of the fountain outside the Living Room shows its placement in one of several gardens that serve 'Steelwood".
.
Dramatic lighting transforms the Rock Garden at night.
