Modernism Week 2023

Mid-Century Modern is a timeless design movement that peaked in the 1950s. The enduring style is known for clean lines, a balance of form and function, honest use of materials and a lack of ornate embellishments.  

Today, Mid-Century Modern is celebrated annually at Modernism Week in Palm Springs, California. The Hi-Sun House captures this style perfectly, from the architecture of the roof to the fixtures and décor. No detail is overlooked in this Hawaiian-influenced Mid-Century Modern residence.

H3K Design, a design company based in Palm Springs, spoke to us about their inspiration and execution for the unique Hi-Sun House. Designers Howard Hawkes and Kevin Kemper told us that the home’s original architect was Charles DuBois, whose style embraces Southern California aesthetics.  

“The house includes a steep, Hawaiian influenced roofline and the original Palo Verde stone cladding on the front of the house as well as the enormous great room fireplace.” The sprawling, open floorplan ranch house showcases an oversized backyard and sparkling pool. Statuesque palm trees complete the tropical property.

When the home was originally built in the 1960s, it was sold by a man named “Aloha Bob”, who had been recruited from Hawaii to lead sales and marketing for the community. “They promoted year-round living and Polynesian influence; each new owner was bestowed with a flower lei along with the keys to their new home.” H3K has maintained the Hawaiian influence, from their design choices to their name for the home. 

“Hi-Sun is a play on words, Hi is of course, hello, but HI is also the postal abbreviation for Hawaii.  Hi-Sun gives just a hint to the Hawaiian influence to the house and the Sun is of course the number one commodity in Palm Springs.” 

The H3K designers turned to Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery for many elements of the home. There are Brizo fixtures in all the bathrooms, as well as the kitchen and BBQ sinks. The BBQ and accessories are by Edgestar, and the toilets are by Signature Hardware. The Jenn Air Appliances, including the icemaker and beverage fridge, are also from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. 

H3K Design provides a wide range of interior design solutions for residential and commercial clients. Their team worked alongside a Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery consultant to select the perfect pieces for this Mid-Century Modern Space. 

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery returns to serve as one of Modernism Week’s Major sponsors for 2023.

Q&A with the H3K Designers! 

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery: Were there any unique design challenges working on the Hi-Sun Home?  

H3K Design: The biggest design challenge was the roof.  After considering a few options, including a metal standing seam roof and having been unhappy with the former composite roofing, we decided to reroof with the original look of the house, which was authentic cedar shake shingles.  This type of roofing is rare and presents a few challenges, one being the cost and the other, getting a permit that meets fire code. Thanks to some friends who also added a cedar shake roof, we were able to hire their roofing company that was able to purchase and install an appropriately fire rated material, and get a city issued building permit. The real shingles really do justice to the authenticity and original design of the house. 

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery: Tell us what’s special about this property. 

H3K Design: The house is special in many ways, most notably its location up against the base of the grand San Jacinto Mountains with sweeping and mostly unobstructed panoramic views.  The design of the house is very unique and is one of only four built in Palm Springs, the other three being just up the street. The house was used as the model home for real estate showings as well as advertising in the local newspapers and many photos of the exterior can be seen in old clippings.  Also, Palm Springs Life Magazine did a feature on the Alexander Construction Company in 1963 and featured a photo of Bob Alexander (the developer) in front of the house in its original glory. 

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery: Will each room be identical, or will each have a different design theme? 

H3K Design: All the rooms will be different, but we worked hard to make them all be part of the same story, that story being our personal home.  We used a lot of organic shapes and more subdued colors, greens, yellows and rusty orange are featured throughout.  The house now has Terrazzo tile floors in all the rooms to unify the space and add light. 

Looking for More Mid-Century Modern?

Use the Shop by Look buttons to see the products featured here and be sure to check out the other incredible spaces featured at Modernism Week 2023! Plus, discover how Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery can help you bring Mid-Century Modern design to your own home.