Modern and Chic at New Orleans

October 11, 2020

Dan and Serena Morin moved from New York to New Orleans five years ago with the hope of enjoying the warm climate and continuing their urban way of life. Dan, a cardiologist, and Serena, an elementary school teacher, are both fans of modern design; they bought an upgraded 1940s home initially designed by Curtis and Davis, the architects behind the Superdome. An open layout and large picture windows highlight perspectives of the expansive backyard and nearby Tulane University, while original attributes such as open stair treads and brick floors show the home’s timeless design.

in a Glance
Who lives here: Dan and Serena Morin and their son, Blu
Location: Uptown area of New Orleans
Size: 3,800 square feet; 5 bedrooms, 41/2 bathrooms
Initial architects: Nathaniel C. Curtis, Jr., and Arthur Q. Davis
Year constructed: 1948

Adam Breaux

As seen in this backyard view, the reinforced brick and concrete structure is supported by steel columns which allow for spacious rooms with huge windows. The primary floor still boasts the original floor-to-ceiling windows.

Much of the concrete work from the backyard was inserted by the previous owner, for instance, circular stools made from cast-in-place concrete. The pool itself is an original feature but has been upgraded with brick trim and a concrete deck.

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The home was initially made for Walter B. Moses, a mechanical engineer who often worked with Curtis and Davis. A couple of years after this home was constructed, he consulted with the firm in their layout for the New Orleans Public Library.

This webpage from Davis’ It Happened by Design Indicates the original front facade. The couple maintains a copy of the book in their entry hall.

Considering the house was constructed in New Orleans in 1948, its layout and form are very contemporary. The home uses geometric shapes, has a flat roof and is chock full of unnecessary ornamentation — the materials provide the aesthetic. The architects used horizontal ribbon windows for light and brise-soleils for sun shading on both the front and back of the home. The floor plan expects a modern lifestyle with its garage incorporated into the entire body of the home and fronted by a roll-up door.

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Since the 1940s, some changes are made to the home. The glass onto the ribbon windows has been updatedglass block has altered the panes of glass illuminating the stairs. Additionally, the brick has been painted, and stucco replaced the tile under the left-hand overhang. The couple believes these changes took place in the 1970s or’80s.

When Dan and Serena moved in, they included a white elastomeric coating on the roof, which helps to reflect UV rays and keep the home warmer.

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This foyer along with the pool room remain most true to the home’s original plans. Curtis and Davis created the stair treads from terrazzo to keep them as thin and minimalist as you can.

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The Morins display Davis’ book in this entryway table and leave it available to the webpage emphasizing the background of their property. Above the table is a framed original routine of the home; both the garage and large first-floor living space are easy to differentiate.

Table: Hurwitz Mintz

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The ground and curtain wall of windows are original to the home. In keeping with philosophical principles, they’re expressed as being independent of the building’s structure.

UFO Red Round Lounge Sofa: Cellini, Scandinavia Furniture; carpeting, 3 Piece Nesting Cocktail Table: Hurwitz Mintz; black armchairs: Overstock.com

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The windows have been turned at an angle to draw focus toward the pool. This multifunctional space is used as a pool room and movie space, and serves as a guest living space for people like Serena’s parents, who visit every couple of months.

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About half of the open living room is dedicated to a frequent place, which combines the kitchen, dining room and living room.

Before the Morins moved in, a renovation by the last owner had expanded the kitchen space, adding more contemporary cabinetry and lights. The countertops are Absolute Black granite.

The large glass curtain wall gives a fantastic left-field view of Tulane University’s baseball arena. This opinion was significant to Dan and Serena, and the backyard landscaping has been planned accordingly.

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The larger kitchen leaves a specified space for the table. The newest sliding ribbon windows were probably portion of the’70s or’80s renovation. Dan and Serena added the cordless cellular shades for sun protection.

Dining table: Scandinavia Furniture

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The master bedroom is open and minimalist, with attention directed toward the huge picture window overlooking the yard. The Morins are greeted every morning with eastern sunlight.

The brick chimney from the first floor runs upward and looks in the bathroom.

Bed, dresser: ModaBode

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Son Blu’s bedroom is right next to the couple’s space. It features a nook they use for a floating shifting station.

Crib: Stanley Furniture; chair: Poäng, Ikea

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Serena and Dan, shown here with Blu, love their classic modern home, and have found the open design gives Blu lots of space to explore and be within sight.

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