Synthesis, a local boutique design-build firm, has helped preserve a piece of Santa Monica's architectural heritage with its renovation of a midcentury residence that will be featured on the Dwell West Side Home Tour, Saturday, May 23.
Rather than bringing on a demolition team and starting from ground zero, owners David and Elaine Vukadinovich hired the Synthesis team to safeguard the home's history while creating additions that satisfied the family's 21st-century needs.
The original design by Frederick Monhoff in 1951 had 1,200 square feet and underwent two remodels (in 1952 and 1964) before Synthesis began its renovation in 2013 for the Vukadinovich family. They added two bedrooms, two baths and a den while transforming the kitchen and living areas into a livable indoor-outdoor area, totaling 2,680 square feet.
"I was very excited when I first saw the home and realized I was going to be working with clients that truly appreciated the midcentury design," said Abeer Sweis, Synthesis founder and CEO. "I find working with this style of architecture really satisfying; I absolutely love connecting the indoors with the outdoors. The outdoor space is both physically and visually as important as the indoor space."
Synthesis and the Vukadinovich family received the Santa Monica Conservancy Preservation Award for Renovation of the home on Feb.8. "We wanted someone who could bring new vision to the house by opening it up and expanding the footprint, while staying true to Frederick Monhoff's design and details," said the owners. "Abeer accomplished this flawlessly, with form and function coming together perfectly."
One of five homes to be showcased on the self-driven Dwell West Side Home Tour, visitors can set their own pace as they peruse each of the five distinctive residences located in L.A.'s beach neighborhoods.
The Dwell West Side Home Tour 2015 is Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Tickets are $90-100.
Meet the Architect's Night is Thursday, May 21, from 7-9 p.m. at the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Tickets are $25.
Visit www.dwellondesign.com/home-tours/west-side-home-tour-2015 for more information.
