Ep 21. Brookline mid-century modern house: see glass
- May 18, 2019
In this episode of This Old House, the team explores a mid-century modern house in Brookline, Massachusetts. The house was built in the 1950s and boasts many unique features, including floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass-enclosed atrium.
The episode begins with the team meeting the homeowners, who purchased the house as a fixer-upper and have been slowly renovating it over the past few years. They take the crew on a tour of the house, highlighting its mid-century modern design elements and pointing out areas that need improvement.
One of the major projects in this episode is repairing the house's many glass windows. Over the years, the windows have become cloudy and discolored, obscuring the stunning views of the surrounding woods. To fix this, the team enlists the help of a local glass restoration expert who walks them through the process of restoring the glass to its original clarity.
The restoration process involves removing the windows from their frames and carefully cleaning them with a mixture of chemicals designed to remove buildup and restore shine. The team also replaces any damaged glass panes and seals the edges with a special adhesive to prevent future damage.
In addition to the glass restoration, the team tackles a number of other projects in this episode. They update the lighting in the house, replacing outdated fixtures with modern, energy-efficient ones. They also replace the old HVAC system with a new, more efficient model, and install new insulation throughout the house to improve energy efficiency.
Finally, the team works on updating the house's landscaping. They clear out overgrown bushes and trees and create a more open, modern look by planting new foliage and adding decorative rocks and boulders.
Throughout the episode, the team offers tips and advice for homeowners looking to update their own mid-century modern homes. They emphasize the importance of preserving the unique design elements of these homes while still updating them for modern living.
Overall, this episode of This Old House offers an inside look at the process of restoring and updating a mid-century modern home. From the glass restoration to the landscaping, the team tackles a number of projects and offers valuable insights for anyone looking to update their own home.
