We constantly search for new ways to live a good life, surrounded by people we love and things we like to use. So, what if your dream home wasn’t just a building, but rather a collection of contemporary cubes, some transparent, some opaque? To get an idea of what I’m talking about, take a look at this fabulous country estate – a 7,000 square foot property located in New Canaan, Connecticut.
Known as the Wiley Residence, this home was first imagined by Philip Johnson in the 1950 and revived to its original charm (and then some) by Roger Ferris and Partners. Introducing new complementing structures in this existing environment was a challenge for the architects. From partly burying the pool house and garage in the hilly landscape to choosing materials that would not only fit but enhance the beauty of the original building, the creative minds behind this project knew how to handle everything. The results are magnificent and they prove that charm and elegance will never go out of style, but might need a little sprucing up from time to time.
Flooded by natural light filtered by surrounding trees, the main building’s transparency is enhanced by the sleek and luxurious details chosen to decorate it. What used to be a 19th-century barn is now a minimalist art gallery displaying a gabled roof and encompassing art pieces placed under adjustable lighting for a better showcasing. Outside, the sleek black shape beautifully contrasts the transparent living unit while connecting the whole property to our modern aesthetics.
A new pool house is now part of the setting, but it was hard work lining everything up to be part of the same architectural language. Let’s not forget the garage, which purpose is more than being the place where you park your car, it’s also a gateway to the amazing details hidden within this dream home.
