The challenges of preserving and upkeeping mid-century modern homes mean many are at risk of demolition, conservation experts tell Dezeen as part of our mid-century modern series.
Open-plan layouts, large windows and aesthetically on-trend fitted furniture are among the attributes found in many mid-century modern houses built from the mid-1940s to the early 1970s that make them sought-after today.
However, experts say that difficulties in maintaining the original building fabric and the challenges of fittings that aren't compatible with modern technology mean mid-century modern homes are especially vulnerable to demolition.
Many mid-century modern homes are at risk of demolition. Above and top: photos of High Sunderland by Dapple Photography "Mid-century homes are a labour of love," said Liz Waytkus, director of conservation group Docomomo US. "Most people who own them put most of their time into them."
"Mid-century modernism was when we came up with the idea of open concept between the kitchen, the living room and dining room, so they're absolutely what people still want," she told Dezeen.
"Maybe the bathrooms and closets were smaller, but maybe we can learn something about our consumerism and our spending habits."
Mid-century modern houses "underbuilt for the land"
Although many mid-century modern homes have qualities that people today consider desirable, in some cases, they are torn down to make way for larger development...