Mid-Century Modern (Sloan House) by Paul McKim in Ocean Beach, San Diego
The home: Sunset cliffs modern. The Sloan House by architect Paul McKim has been owned for the last five decades by contemporary artist Robert Matheny who hosted gatherings of art lovers and patrons.
The architect: Paul McKim was born in New Albany, Indiana in 1931. Following service in the US Navy (1951-55), he earned his Bachelor’s of Architecture in 1961 shortly after receiving the Early Prize (in 1960) and James White Memorial Prize (1961) at University of Illinois.
Shortly after moving to San Diego, Mckim worked for Richard Lareau before he established Paul McKim & Associates and joined the local chapter of the AIA (both in 1963-64). McKim’s office was in Lloyd Ruocco’s Design Center on Fifth Avenue along with a host of other design talent. While at the Design Center Bruce Dammann and Dick Bundy worked alongside him.
McKim would earn an Award of Merit (San Diego, AIA) in 1966; and Honorable Mention from AIA-House &. Home Magazine (1967); an Excellence for Design Award from Architectural Record (1968); an Award of Merit from the AIA and Sunset Magazine (1969) all for the McKim Residence. McKim’s house hosted vertically stripped windows, and floor-to-ceiling glass facing its courtyard showcasing Richard Neutra’s influence on McKim’s work. The architect earned an Award of Merit for his Gauthier Residence from the San Diego Chapter of the AIA in 1968.
Paul served as a visiting lecturer for the San Diego State College School of Environmental Design (1967-68) followed by his Board of Directors position for the San Diego Chapter of the AIA (1968-69).
Paul McKim's style was strongly influenced by the natural beauty of San Diego County's landscape. He began with simple shapes in his designs to act as a backdrop to year-round landscaping, which replaced the need for ornament on his structures. Mr. McKim's dramatic interior spaces depend on large expanses of glass allowing filtered sunlight to cast shadows across plain walls. His interiors flow horizontally by using glass walls between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Read more from the source: ModernSan Diego.com