cf3 coffee chat: a becker modern in clifton

In 1938 UC philosophy professor Van Meter Ames and his wife Betty had a vision: an International Style home for their family. They hired the firm Garriot and Becker to realize their dream. John Becker studied under Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius at Harvard and Becker is largely credited with bringing International Style to this region. (The Rauh house in Woodlawn is perhaps his most famous house.) Building began in 1938 and was completed 1940 — the  house is nestled in a beautiful wooded setting with privacy from the street.

Natural light and nature views abound thanks to the many frameless windows —  including a v-shaped one inspired by the window on the front of a street car. Plaster walls with gentle curves, a signature glass block window, multiple decks and built-ins show off the clean and cool International vernacular.  In 1940, one of their first visitors to the house exclaimed, “It’s positively futurist!” This is a special opportunity to see a Becker house. The current owners have lovingly researched, restored — and where needed — renovated this special spot. Join us Saturday, October 3 for this coffee chat!  Registration is required and open to cf3 members. Address and parking instructions will be sent upon confirmation of registration.

Please note: parking is on the street only; no driveway parking and requires walking to the site. Access to the house involves walking down a path with multiple steps. Open to cf3 members.

As always, if you’re unable to attend, please cancel your reservation as we often have a waiting list.