The Caldersyke: Fifties Modern Contemporary House Plans

Today’s society seems to be obsessed with the 1950s and '60s. We eagerly gobble up new episodes of Mad Men. The skinny tie and trousers are back. And contemporary house plans are often constructed with a nod to the middle part of the last century. Sometimes called Mid-Century Modern or Fifties Modern, these homes convey the sleek styling and asymmetrical rooflines that first appeared in the Eisenhower administration. This week’s featured house plan, the Caldersyke, combines the Fifties Modern style with modern amenities. Let’s take an imaginative tour of this beautiful home.

An architect would say that the Caldersyke features several “volumes” of space, which extend into the rear of the home. However, as we view the façade it is difficult to appreciate the protected backyard zone that this L-shaped contemporary home plan creates. The front of the home has a garage on the left, a row of upper story windows, and the front door toward the right. Deep eaves add protection and a mid-century sensibility. Entering through the front door, we find ourselves in the foyer. To the left: a staircase and an office or bedroom with an optional built-in desk. To our right: a utility and cloak closet, and beyond, a second bedroom facing the street. This second bedroom is attached to a full bathroom; a washer/dryer is located conveniently just outside.

Besides the garage, two unique architectural features remain on this primary level of the Caldersyke contemporary house plan. Straight ahead from the front door is the vaulted dining/living/kitchen area. This “family triangle” area is located in its own wing, jutting into the backyard and set perpendicular to the rest of the home. With a sloped roof, entire walls and corners of glass, and casual open floor plan, this is one of the most charming areas in the home. Its abundance of natural light and open views to the backyard make it particularly mid-century modern as well. An L-shaped kitchen is situated closest to the front door; it boasts a kitchen island with counter seating on one side. The living/dining area orients to the backyard, and has a built-in fireplace with electrical outlets for a flat screen television above.  Media equipment will fit neatly into an adjacent built-in bookcase.

The second unusual feature is a covered walkway connecting the garage to the kitchen and the foyer via two sets of sliding doors. This covered walkway doubles as a protected back patio gathering space. It adds to the indoor/outdoor connection that’s found throughout this gorgeous home.

Walking up the stairway to the left of the foyer, we find ourselves in the secluded master suite, which comprises the entire second story. An optional built-in seat is located at the top of the stairs; to its right is an entire row of closets with two sets of sliding doors. The master bath is to the right; it has a built-in set of shelves and a walk-in shower. The master bedroom takes up the entire left side of the second story; it features generous windows onto the backyard.

These contemporary home plans are open, airy, and grand. All in all, the Caldersyke home plans are a modern interpretation of the iconic Fifties Modern style.

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