Pasadena
300 N San Rafael Avenue
$19,999,000
8 BD · 14 BA · 20,567 SQFT
Listed by Daniel Stevenson, The Agency
For Sale Now
Homes by Buff & Hensman for Sale
Homes across Southern California whose listings credit Buff & Hensman, updated from CRMLS throughout the day.
Los Angeles
2563 Nichols Canyon Road
$8,995,000
4 BD · 5 BA · 4,200 SQFT
Listed by Branden Williams, The Beverly Hills Estates
Architect attribution comes from each listing’s description, written by the listing agent, and has not been independently verified. Listings provided by CRMLS. “Listed by” identifies the listing agent and brokerage; Kyle Shutts and Arbor Real Estate are the advertising broker unless otherwise noted. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Inquiries are answered by Kyle Shutts, Arbor Real Estate.
About Buff & Hensman
Buff, Straub and Hensman was founded in Pasadena by Conrad Buff III, Calvin Straub and Donald Hensman. When Straub left to teach at Arizona State University in 1961, the firm continued as Buff and Hensman, and later as Buff, Smith and Hensman.
Their houses bridge California’s Arts and Crafts tradition and midcentury modernism: post-and-beam frames in warm wood, open plans and deep connections to the garden. The firm won more than 30 AIA awards for its houses, and its Case Study House 20 for Saul Bass used experimental plywood vaults.
Signature Features
- Post-and-beam frames in warm, natural wood
- Open plans zoned for private, formal and everyday living
- Courtyards and broad openings to the garden
- Design suited to the climate, with shade and cross-ventilation
Landmark Work
- Mello Residence
- Case Study House 20 (Bass House)
- Frank Residence
- Case Study House 28
Buying a Buff & Hensman Home
- Check the condition of the exposed wood beams and decking.
- Ask for the original drawings and the history of any additions.
- Ask whether the home is a designated landmark or eligible for the Mills Act.
Questions
Buff & Hensman FAQ
Are there homes by Buff & Hensman for sale right now?
Yes. 3 homes for sale in Southern California credit Buff & Hensman in the listing description, shown on this page and updated from CRMLS throughout the day.
Who were Buff & Hensman?
A Pasadena firm founded as Buff, Straub and Hensman by Conrad Buff III, Calvin Straub and Donald Hensman. It continued as Buff and Hensman after Straub left in 1961, and later as Buff, Smith and Hensman.
What is Case Study House 20?
Case Study House 20, completed in 1958 in Altadena for the designer Saul Bass, was built with experimental plywood vaults and stressed-skin panels.
Where are Buff & Hensman homes?
Many are in Pasadena and the surrounding area, including the Mello Residence of 1956 and the Frank Residence of 1959, with others across Los Angeles.
How can I confirm a home was designed by Buff & Hensman?
Listing descriptions are written by the listing agent, so treat an attribution as a starting point. Ask for the original building permit and drawings, check the records held in university and museum architecture archives, and look for published histories of the house. Kyle Shutts can help you confirm a home’s history before you write an offer.
Meet Kyle
Kyle Shutts
Real Estate Professional
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or selling a high-value property, my goal is simple: to protect your interests, maximize your outcome, and make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
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