A Buff & Hensman Masterpiece in Pasadena

The Conrad Buff II Residence

As a long-time admirer of the work of Buff & Hensman, I find their contribution to mid-century modern architecture not only timeless, but deeply influential. Their homes reflect a commitment to honest materials, harmonious proportions, and a seamless relationship between indoors and out.

Their architectural language is distinctly Californian, yet universally inspiring: they created spaces that feel both grounded and expansive, private yet open to nature.

Their use of post-and-beam construction, natural light, and warm textures has set a benchmark for residential architecture that continues to resonate across generations.

In this article, we delve into one of their most personal and iconic projects: the Conrad Buff II Residence in Pasadena. Designed in 1955 for Conrad Buff III’s father, the home stands as a beautiful embodiment of their design ethos.

Beyond its architectural significance, this house also tells a story—about family, creativity, and architectural legacy. Enjoy!

(Marco Guagliardo - Editor in Chief at Mid-Century Home)

Few architectural duos have left a more distinctive mark on the Southern California landscape than Buff & Hensman. Formed in the early 1950s by Conrad Buff III and Donald Hensman, the firm emerged at the height of the mid-century modern movement, contributing a uniquely Californian sensibility to the era’s architectural vocabulary.

Known for their refined use of post-and-beam construction, a seamless relationship between structure and site, and a deep respect for craftsmanship, Buff & Hensman were central figures in shaping the indoor-outdoor lifestyle now synonymous with West Coast modernism.

Their residential designs—often built on challenging hillsides or tucked into wooded lots—emphasized privacy, transparency, and light. Wood, glass, and steel were their tools of choice, used not as ornaments, but as honest expressions of structure and place.

Throughout their prolific careers, they designed hundreds of homes, many of which are now considered icons of the era. Yet one of their most personal and revealing works is the Conrad Buff II Residence, designed in 1955 in Pasadena, California.