Open Space | The Wirick House by Buff, Straub & Hensman FAIA, 1958

The Wirick House is a defining example of modern architecture. Designed in 1958 by Calvin Straub, the residence was commissioned by Thomas and Barbara Wirick during a pivotal moment in Straub’s career, as he began collaborating with Conrad Buff and Donald Hensman. This partnership would soon evolve into the influential architectural trio known as Buff, Straub & Hensman. The home is particularly celebrated for its sensitive response to the steep hillside terrain, with bold cantilevered forms and expansive glass surfaces that merge seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

Growing up in the home his parents built, Wally reflects on his family's history and the unique experience of living in such a forward-thinking, design-centric space. He recalls a childhood spent alongside his siblings, exploring the surrounding hillsides that served as a playground for countless neighborhood kids. The house was often the backdrop for lively family gatherings, filled with warmth and connection. Wally attributes the home’s well-preserved legacy to what he describes as a combination of thoughtful design, cherished memories, and a deep appreciation for the architecture that shaped their everyday lives.

From a design standpoint, the Wirick House is built around a clean, modular grid that incorporates slender wooden beams and wide glass panels to create bright, spacious interiors. The main floor overlooks a soaring, double-height living and dining area, with floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the space in sunlight and open up views of the natural landscape. One of the most distinctive features of the home is the effortless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, achieved through the careful use of natural materials and a thoughtful, open layout that blurs the boundaries between architecture and nature.

Photography by Open Space