Mid Mod Marvel: Techbuilt House. Wednesday, May 20, 2026; 4-6pm. Arden Hills, Minn.
Photos Courtesy Homecoming Photography / Re/Max Results and the Liz Johnson Group
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Join Docomomo US/MN to tour a MN Techbuilt House by Carl Koch built in 1956. Techbuilt homes were designed by New England architect Carl Koch to help alleviate the post WWII housing shortage by developing a way to quickly and easily assemble the houses using pre-made components. The parts were interchangeable to give the buyer a house that met their needs and taste and that worked for the specific site. Techbuilt houses offered an attractive two-level interior arrangement in which the lower level functioned as a quasi-basement and the upper level as a quasi-attic but with no loss of functional space. The houses were designed under a Ford Foundation grant to develop an under-$20,000 house with space for a growing family. This preserved mid-century gem is unlike many other known examples, as this was not built as a builder's model house. It appeared on the market for the first time in 1959, described as "Overlooking Lake Johanna, 2 Baths, 4 BRs, 2 fireplaces, contemporary styling at its best." Tucked into a unique lake-community neighborhood, the house features original Geneva metal cabinets, and an open floor plan. The home offers association beach access to Lake Johnanna, and is currently for sale. The Techbuilt House is located on Asbury Street, off of Snelling Avenue south of Lake Johanna in Arden Hills. In-Person (self-guided) Tour: Wednesday, May 20, 2026; 4-6pm. Transportation is on your own, or with a friend or two! Street parking is available on Asbury Street or Glenhill Road. General admission tickets: $10 Docomomo US/MN members: FREE (registration is required). To access free member tickets, please enter your member email address in the 'Promo Code' field of the Eventbrite ticket window. Members may add up to four tickets per registered email address. |
About Docomomo US/MN Series of Mid Mod Marvel Tours:
Docomomo US/MN seeks to highlight Mid-Century Modern properties across Minnesota that have been sensitively preserved or adapted for contemporary use.
The Mid Mod Marvel series of tours are pop-up events that showcase the stewards of Modernism in the present day – the efforts of homeowners, architects, designers and builders to shepherd modern design into our new century.
The Mid Mod Marvel series of tours are pop-up events that showcase the stewards of Modernism in the present day – the efforts of homeowners, architects, designers and builders to shepherd modern design into our new century.
