1617 Pleasant Way, Pasadena, CA | $2,980,000 | 3 BD | 2 BA
This Calvin Straub Pasadena home, also known as The Thomas and Barbara Wirick House, celebrates all there is to love about mid-century modern architecture. The residence is characterized by its bold lines, expansive glazing and striking minimalist aesthetic. As Straub merged his creative vision with the talents of Conrad Buff and Donald Hensman, their collaboration gave rise to the influential Pasadena architectural firm Buff, Straub & Hensman.
The Wirick House has earned its place on the National Registry of Historic Places, notable as a quintessential representation of the firm’s mastery in post-and-beam construction. This design approach creates functional spaces with a poetic dialog, utilizing a modular composition that intricately weaves together bold, linear framing and expansive wall planes. The result is a harmonious blend of architecture that seamlessly integrates the structure with its natural surroundings. Every aspect of The Wirick House reflects the innovative spirit and bold architectural philosophies that Buff, Straub & Hensman would become famous for.
The interior staircase, naturally illuminated by clerestory windows, gracefully descends to the lower level of the home. This open-plan area becomes a communal hub, featuring an expansive glass-walled living and dining space that beautifully connects with the surrounding landscape and distant views. The design thoughtfully integrates with nature, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The fireplace and a private alcove with a lower ceiling create an intimate space set within the larger plan. The Thomas & Barbara Wirick House celebrates the architect’s vision of designing a pavilion-like environment with a welcoming atmosphere. This harmonious blend of openness, warmth and attention to detail defines Buff, Straub & Hensman’s architectural work, inviting all who enter to experience a true sense of grandeur at home.
The kitchen is a classic example of mid-century modern design, with the strategic placement of cabinetry creating an open boundary within the overall layout. The space maintains its original finishes preserving its architectural history. The kitchen also features wood and stainless-steel countertops and thoughtfully updated appliances. The upper cabinets serve as a visual divider between the kitchen and dining areas, while a glass sliding door leads out to a spacious deck.
The upper entry level of the Thomas and Barbara Wirick House presents a great view of the double-height living and dining area. This inspiring space features large expanses of glass and thin-lined structural framing, enhancing the home’s airy feel and inviting natural light to fill the interior. The primary bedroom suite opens to the living room below, cleverly balancing openness and privacy with the smart use of curtains or screens. This thoughtful design allows occupants to take in the aspirational design of the double-height architecture below, or quietly separate the space when desired. The room is connected to a spacious walk-in closet and bathroom, accessible via sliding doors. This space gives its residents the ultimate opportunity to create a private sanctuary while celebrating the bold architectural vision of Calvin Straub, later, Buff, Straub & Hensman, which emphasizes the harmony of form and spatial arrangement.
Adjacent to the main living area, a versatile office/sitting room offers multiple use options. A hidden door leads to a storage area thoughtfully developed beneath the carport. With a recently added elevator accessible from this office/sitting room, moving between the first floor and the carport becomes effortless, reflecting a beautiful integration of modern functionality within the existing architectural framework.
The Thomas and Barbara Wirick House, designed by Calvin Straub, is an iconic, pristine example of the architect’s vision and vocabulary. Recognized by esteemed author and critic Esther McCoy as “the father of California post-and-beam architecture,” Straub’s work reflects the evolution of architectural styles. It showcases innovative techniques that have shaped the residential landscape. Drawing inspiration from the Arts and Crafts movement, he masterfully combined artisanal craftsmanship with modern design elements. Further influenced by California’s early modernists, Straub employed groundbreaking approaches to space and material. At the core of the architect’s philosophy is the desire to create structures that communicate order and unity through a sincere and straightforward approach. His architecture transcends simple aesthetics, offering spaces that are thoughtfully integrated with their surroundings. Committed to simplicity and functionality, Calvin Straub crafted buildings that honor human scale and celebrate nature.
To view this impecable Calvin Straub Pasadena home. Contact us at 323-745-1160 to schedule a private showing or email livebeyond@beyondshelter.com. Find more Pasadena Mid Century Modern houses on our map search. If you’re ready to sell your home, Beyond Shelter is here to partner with you. Through our personalized Ready. Set. Show. Plan, we will prepare your home for showtime and maximize its value in the marketplace. Find out more about our Seller experience here.
Listing Courtesy of Lilian Pfaff & Nate Cole, Modern California House