MID-CENTURY MODERN

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If houses reflect the times they were designed, midcentury modern is the architecture of ideas, created by those who believed the forward-looking style could be a vehicle for social change to create a better society. Characterized by flat planes, large glass windows and open space, these homes -- built from 1945 to the 1970s -- featured simplicity and an integration with nature, encouraging residents to explore the world in new ways. If you’re looking for midcentury modern homes in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland, you’ve come to the right place.

Key Elements

• Flat planes. The geometric lines of the house are regular and rigorous. Flat roofs are common, though modern ranch-style houses had gable roofs.

• Large windows. Sliding-glass doors and other expansive panes of glass allow light to enter rooms from multiple angles.

• Changes in elevation. Small steps going up and down between rooms creates split-level spaces. A midcentury modern might have partial walls, or cabinets of varying heights to create different depths in the space.

• Integration with nature. Rooms have multiple outdoor views, or multiple access points, encouraging an appreciation of healthy living.

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Mid-century modern architecture, with its distinctive style and emphasis on simplicity and integration with nature, has left a notable mark in many neighborhoods around the United States, including the Washington D.C. area. Here are some of the most popular mid-century modern neighborhoods in and around Washington D.C.:

1. Hollin Hills: Located in Alexandria, Virginia, Hollin Hills is a pioneering mid-century modern community designed by architect Charles Goodman in the late 1940s. The neighborhood is known for its rolling terrain, wooded lots, and houses that feature Goodman’s signature post-and-beam construction, large windows, and open floor plans. The community has garnered attention for its preservation of mid-century architectural principles and aesthetic.

2. Carderock Springs: Situated in Bethesda, Maryland, Carderock Springs is another exemplary mid-century modern neighborhood. Developed in the 1960s, it features homes designed by architects Keyes, Lethbridge, and Condon. The houses are known for their integration with the natural landscape, use of natural materials, and open, airy designs.

3. Hammond Wood: Located in Silver Spring, Maryland, Hammond Wood is a small but significant mid-century modern neighborhood. Designed by architect Charles Goodman in the early 1950s, these homes are recognized for their modernist style, with open floor plans, large windows, and a connection to the outdoors.

4. Holmes Run Acres: In Falls Church, Virginia, Holmes Run Acres is another notable mid-century modern community. Developed in the 1950s, the neighborhood features homes with a distinct modernist aesthetic, incorporating elements like exposed beams, natural wood, and large windows that blur the lines between inside and outside.

5. Bannockburn: This community in Bethesda, Maryland, showcases a variety of mid-century modern homes. Bannockburn was developed in the post-World War II era and is known for its eclectic mix of architectural styles, with many homes featuring the characteristic open floor plans, flat roofs, and large windows of mid-century design.

6. Rock Creek Woods: Developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s, this enclave features about 75 homes designed by the noted architect Charles M. Goodman. The neighborhood, which is nestled alongside Rock Creek Park, provides a serene and natural setting that contrasts with its relatively close proximity to the bustle of Washington D.C. This community remains a prime example of mid-century modern residential architecture and a hidden gem for architecture enthusiasts.

Learn more about the DC region’s hidden mid-century modern neighborhoods.