Preserving the Sackley Chase Sensation’s Minimalism with Fleetwood

After owning another home on the same street for 10 years, Roger Stoker and Michael Ostrow of Grace Home Furnishings purchased the Sackley Chase Sensation in 2022 from the original owners. When they purchased it, it had not been modified since 1976.

Stoker said the home had beautiful, modern elements from the architect Stan Sackley and much of the original furnishings from interior designer Steve Chase.

“We wanted to preserve as much of the original design as possible while making the home a modern and livable residence going forward,” Stoker said. “You can update a vintage house without disturbing the original character.”

Minimalist Design

Several features of the home emulate the Brutalist Modern style, recently popularized by the film The Brutalist starring Adrien Brody. These include natural, Italian travertine floors and large walls of glass. Stoker and Ostrow chose Fleetwood because of its minimalist and modern aesthetic.

“The Fleetwood products marry well with original mid-century architecture and other vintage architecture,” Stoker said.

Stoker added that Fleetwood products are standard in Palm Springs because of their durability, weather resistance, and exceptional function.

“The finish, [thermally extruded frames], and energy efficient glass holds up to the harsh western heat in Palm Springs,” Stoker said.

The Right Products for Preservation

With the help of Stephen Whitfield, owner of Fleetwood dealer Architectural Glazing, they were able to use Fleetwood’s Series 3800-T Fixed Window System to preserve a frameless double pane corner window that might have been a challenge with other products. They also replicated the original entryway’s French-door look but leading out to the pool using Fleetwood’s Series 3200-T Hinged Doors.

“Fleetwood was the best use for this house because of the need for tall door heights, some with horizontal mullions, and [because of Stoker and Ostrow’s] design to replicate the original thin lines of the previous aluminum products,” Whitfield said.

Whitfield said that working with historic homes comes with some challenges, like uneven and out of level ceilings and walls, but using creative solutions and the right products, they were able to overcome them and create a spectacular blend of old and new.

“Fleetwood and Architectural Glazing understood the challenge of updating the house without disturbing the great original 1970s design,” Stoker said.

Versatile Whole House System

The Series 3000 Traditional Sliding Doors were used throughout the home, including on each side of the atrium and flanking both sides of the corner window, opening up the entire dining area. With Whitfield’s guidance, Stoker and Ostrow used this versatile product, not only for large openings, but also for narrow locations and as a bar-height, kitchen, passthrough window.

Since Fleetwood offers a complete window and door system, the Series 350-T Casement and Awning Windows, also used throughout the home, unify the windows and doors with matching proprietary hardware and black anodized finish.

“The end result is beautiful!” Stoker said.