Step inside Case Study House #10 a mid-century modern gem nestled in Pasadena’s San Rafael Hills. This isn’t just a house it’s a piece of architectural history. Designed in 1947 by the father-son team Kemper Nomland and Kemper Nomland Jr. it was part of the prestigious Case Study House program. The program championed innovative and affordable housing designs after World War II. Case Study House #10 embodies that spirit.
Notice the way the house gracefully follows the slope of the land. Its three levels seamlessly integrate with the landscape. The original design was incredibly clever. It used simple materials like wood post and beam construction and large glass walls. These elements created a feeling of openness and connection with the outdoors. The original structure featured a studio and garage on the top level. The middle level housed bedrooms and a gallery overlooking the living spaces below. The main living areas kitchen and dining room were on the lower level.
But the story of Case Study House #10 doesn’t end there. The house underwent a significant renovation. The owners hired Design Vidal to restore its original glory. They addressed unfortunate upgrades from previous decades. They restored the cement floors and aluminum windows. They painstakingly stripped paint and restored the original stain on the tongue-and-groove ceiling. They even integrated the seventies-era pool and guesthouse. This meticulous restoration work didn’t go unnoticed. The owners received the prestigious City of Pasadena 2015 Historic Preservation Award and Pasadena’s Historic Preservation Commission’s 2015 Reconstruction Award. The transformation was truly remarkable.
The renovated Case Study House #10 is more than a home. It’s a testament to thoughtful design sustainable materials and the enduring appeal of mid-century modern architecture. It’s a legacy of innovation a symbol of postwar optimism and a remarkable example of preservation. It’s a place where the past and present beautifully coexist. Isn’t it impressive?