BUFF AND HENSMAN
HOMES FOR SALE

ARCHITECTURAL SOULMATES

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Buff and Hensman Homes for Sale | No other architects understood the interplay of light, shadow and massing like California architects, Buff and Hensman. Conrad Buff (1926-1989) and Donald Hensman (1924-2002) met as undergraduates at USC’s School of Architecture.

Upon graduation, they were hired by a local developer to design tract homes, some of these houses being built in the areas of Whittier and Buena Park, CA. Their collaborations included working with architects, Calvin Straub (Buff, Straub & Hensman) and Dennis Smith (Buff, Smith & Hensman) throughout their long partnership. Together they produced an impressive catalog of work – from their contribution to the Case Study Program to designing impressive houses for politicians and celebrities alike. Case Study #20 (The Bass House) located in Alta Dena, CA cemented their legacy in the Los Angeles’ Modernism movement, while Case Study #28, in Thousand Oaks, CA was the last single-family house built under the Arts & Architecture Case Study Program. Buff and Henman’s houses boast expansive, open-space airy floor plans, clerestory windows, post and beam construction, floor-to-ceiling glass and raised ceilings. Their architectural designs perfectly exemplify the Southern California mid-century ideal of indoor-outdoor living. If you are interested in finding a special architectural property, contact Beyond Shelter. We are happy to help you find current and off-market Buff and Hensman homes for sale.

THE JOHN NORTON HOUSE: BUFF, HENSMAN AND STRAUB MID-CENTURY SANCTUARY

BEAUTY AND HARMONY

Living room of the John Norton House, designed in 1954 by Buff, Straub and Hensman,

820 Burleigh Dr, Pasadena, CA  | $2,750,000 | 4 BD | 3 BA

A Southwest Pasadena masterwork of Post and Beam modernism, The John Norton House was designed in 1954 by Buff, Straub and Hensman, FAIA. Sited within a grove of mature trees, the residence is uniquely positioned to embrace the natural “small suburban stream” that meanders gently through the property. Recognized as a significant contribution to California Modernism, the home exemplifies the firm’s celebrated ability to blend structure with the surrounding landscape.

Expansive balconies, terracing, bridges and staircases extend the living experience outward at the Buff, Straub and Hensman Pasadena post & beam home

Expansive balconies, terracing, bridges and staircases extend the living experience outward, connecting the interiors to layered outdoor spaces. Entertaining decks, patios, cascading ponds, vegetable beds and a conversational firepit create noteworthy moments of gathering and reflection. The John Norton House demonstrates the Buff, Straub and Hensman Pasadena post and beam tradition of erasing boundaries between the indoor space and nature.

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BUFF AND HENSMAN GLENDALE MID CENTURY MODERN HOME

NATURE IS A GIFT TO THE SOUL

Buff & Hensman Glendale mid-century home

1321 Cedar Court Road, Glendale, CA  | $2,595,000 | 4 BD | 4 BA

Completed in 1961, this stunning Buff and Hensman Glendale mid-century home captures the essence of timeless architectural elegance. Sited among the lush greenery of the Bellehurst Hills, the residence harmoniously merges indoor and outdoor living, inviting nature into everyday life. The remodeled 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath main house is gracefully situated above a permitted 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom ADU, providing two peaceful, separate units for various creative uses.

The primary level of the main residence seamlessly blends the comforts of home with the beauty of nature. Large glass doors open onto a generous south-facing deck, where warm sunlight floods the living spaces.

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CALVIN STRAUB PASADENA HOME | THE THOMAS AND BARBARA WIRICK HOUSE

WINDOWS TO THE WORLD

Calvin Straub Pasadena Home | Thomas & Barbara Wirick House

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.

exterior view of the Calvin Straub Pasadena Home aka the Thomas & Barbara Wirick House

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.

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STUNNING MALIBU BUFF AND HENSMAN HOME ON ZUMA BEACH

LET THE SEA SET YOU FREE

Imagine the ideal blend of comfort, style and luxury mixed with the tranquility of coastal living. This Malibu Buff and Hensman home, perched atop the stunning bluffs of Zuma Beach, offers you that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to craft your singular vision of paradise. Encompassing over an acre of unspoiled, flat terrain, this spectacular property gifts you the freedom to create your dream retreat, just a stone's throw away from the renowned Zuma Beach.

30020 Morning View Drive, Malibu, CA  | $10,995,000 | 6 BD | 6 BA

Imagine the ideal blend of comfort, style and luxury mixed with the tranquility of coastal living. This Malibu Buff and Hensman home, perched atop the stunning bluffs of Zuma Beach, offers you that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to craft your singular vision of paradise. Encompassing over an acre of unspoiled, flat terrain, this spectacular property gifts you the freedom to create your dream retreat, just a stone’s throw away from the renowned Zuma Beach.

Buff and Hensman, the celebrated architectural duo, are renowned for their distinctive designs that seamlessly blend beauty with functionality. Their illustrious portfolio includes homes for icons such as the legendary actor Steve McQueen, the esteemed Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, and the pioneering Case Study House 28, each a testament to their innovative architectural vision, impeccable craftsmanship and interpretation of luxury living.

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GLENDALE BUFF AND HENSMAN MID CENTURY MODERN HOME

BLISSFUL LIVING

Glendale Buff and Hensman mid century home in Glen Oaks Canyon

2430 Bywood Drive, Glendale, CA  | $1,495,000 | 2 BD | 2 BA

This pristine Glendale Buff and Hensman mid century home is an oasis of tranquility tucked away in the peaceful surroundings of Glenoaks Canyon. The stunning architectural residence has been beautifully crafted. Clerestory windows surround the residence creating a lighted architectural box filled with stylish design.

This open-floor plan residence is designed to maximize natural light and harness its beautiful surroundings. With purposeful precision, the home utilizes the finest materials, unique architectural details, and majestic expanses of glass to create an environment that perfectly balances nature and modern living. There is careful attention to design, plan, and details that combine contemporary style and modern amenities with classic 1950s mid-century elements. The living room’s focal point fireplace creates a welcoming environment ideal for gatherings large and small.

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