Mid-Century Fall Home Tour – A Gaggle of Graffunders! Saturday September 21, 2024
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Docomomo US/MN is excited to present the 2024 Mid-Century Fall Home Tour! The spotlight this year is on MN Architect Carl Graffunder, whose 130+ projects across the state exemplify the essence of 20th Century Modernism – open floor plans, site-specific design and indoor-outdoor connections.
Graffunder projects spanning 1952-1968 are open for this tour, offering a comparative look at the evolution of the architect's style during the height of mid-century design in Minnesota. Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024 Tour: 11am-3pm Reception: 3pm-4:30pm Tickets available via Eventbrite: Students: $15 Docomomo US/MN Members: $30 General Admission: $55 |
About Carl Graffunder:
Carl O. Graffunder (1919 – 2013) was a highly-regarded Minnesota architect, designing numerous homes and buildings in the state and helping educate generations of architects at the University of Minnesota from 1948-86. Some of Graffunder's over 130 houses were featured in both local and national publications, starting with his own unique 5-level house overlooking Theodore Wirth Park (since demolished). His houses were known for simple forms, open plans, and lots of light—as he used extensive use of glass and outdoor living spaces to blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. His design philosophy embraced the honesty of materials, using exposed wood beams and concrete, affordability, and energy efficiency. He also designed churches, libraries, civic and commercial buildings.
Graffunder's ancestors repaired castles in Germany; his parents emigrated to the United States where his father did carpentry and upholstery. Carl was born in Rock Island, IL, and grew up in Hibbing before gaining his B.Arch from the University of Minnesota. After serving as a naval architect repairing ships in World War II, he earned his M.Arch from Harvard, learning under Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer. The U of M recruited him to teach as soon as he graduated. He later retired to his A-Frame on Lake Minnetonka, dying at age 94.
Graffunder's ancestors repaired castles in Germany; his parents emigrated to the United States where his father did carpentry and upholstery. Carl was born in Rock Island, IL, and grew up in Hibbing before gaining his B.Arch from the University of Minnesota. After serving as a naval architect repairing ships in World War II, he earned his M.Arch from Harvard, learning under Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer. The U of M recruited him to teach as soon as he graduated. He later retired to his A-Frame on Lake Minnetonka, dying at age 94.
Fall Home Tour Locations:
ALL LOCATIONS OPEN 11am-3PM.
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Yogel House Inver Grove Heights, 1952 |
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Leighton House Minneapolis, 1955 |
Photo Courtesy Drew Anthony Smith
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Dale Tile House Minneapolis, 1955 |
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Taeko Tanaka Perry Residence Golden Valley, 1966 |
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Hafner House Minneapolis, 1968 |
RECEPTION LOCATION 3PM-4:30PM.
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Normandale Lutheran Church Edina, 1958 Join Docomomo US/MN members and friends following the tour for a reception, including light eats and refreshments! Normandale Lutheran Church was designed by Carl Graffunder and completed in 1958. The Opus Group completed a renovation and expansion of the community spaces in 2017. During the reception, the original sanctuary will be available for self-guided tours. |
