Papachristou Home Tour

In partnership with Historic Boulder and CU Boulder’s AIAS chapter, Month of Modern hosted a one-of-a-kind House Tour experience in Boulder. We saw an awe-inspiring group of five select Papachristou houses that reflect the rich diversity of livable, innovative architecture and design found throughout his buildings.

Tician Papachristou (1928-2018) came to Boulder by Greyhound bus in 1954 after graduating from Princeton University. Like many of Boulder’s mid-century modern architects, he worked for James Hunter. Papachristou moved on to form his own practice which included brief associations with Charles Haertling and Daniel Havekost. He also taught design at the University of Colorado.

His body of work in Boulder, which includes a local historic landmark and several designated Structures of Merit, was influenced by the vernacular architecture of his native Greece as well modernists including Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier.

Papachristou worked with clients who were young and at the beginning of their careers and therefore on a limited budget. The natural materials used were chosen for their low cost and sustainability such as wood, cinder block, concrete and glass, and furthermore he believed it was socially responsible to keep expenses to a minimum.

Many of his homes feature details with repeating geometric patterns. Dramatic ceilings and striking custom fireplaces are hallmarks of his structures as are the seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Papachristou’s influence on Boulder includes his participation in the NCAR site selection team with Dr. Walter Orr Roberts and architect I.M Pei. With encouragement by Pei, Papachristou left Boulder to work for the Marcel Breuer architecture firm in New York City in 1965 and became a partner in the firm in 1974.

For one day only, attendees were given the rare chance to walk through the interiors of some of the most inspiring private homes in Boulder’s neighborhoods. This self-guided tour featured five distinct residences chosen to inspire design professionals and enthusiasts alike. This year’s home tour proceeds will benefit Historic Boulder and CU Boulder’s AIAS chapter.

Home on the Tour:

Saturday, September 21, tour day arrived under sunny skies and a glorious 75-degree forecast. Ticket sales were brisk the entire day and people were excited to see the impressive mix of homes.

An enormous thank you to each homeowner who graciously opened their home to the public. It is due to their generosity that the tour was a smashing success. Month of Modern also thanks all the volunteers who helped in so many ways – we could not have done it without you and appreciate your contributing valuable time and energy to our community!

A couple of days before the tour, Month of Modern commenced with a special group of invited guests at the home of  Carol and Otis Taylor (Jessor House). Dick Jessor, the original commisioning client of the house was a special guest. He hadn’t been inside the home in 40 years, and it was great fun to hear his stories. We also want to give a heartfelt thanks to Louise and Evert Padden who gave us the special opportunity to visit the neighboring Sirotkin house.

Special Guest Reception:
Please credit Lisa Doane Photography when sharing photos!