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Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center to Hold Extraordinary Homes Tour
Manitoga's fourth annual Extraordinary Homes tour on Sunday, June 3 offers eight outstanding examples of modern design in the Garrison area. Designed by iconic mid-20thcentury Modern industrial designer Russel Wright to draw visitors in for first-hand experience with the natural environment of the Hudson Highlands, Manitoga today offers a range of programs for youth, families, professionals and the public with the theme Nature, Design, Community.
Sites on this year's tour include:
A house designed by Wright's companion, Joe Chapman, with stunning Hudson River views and exemplifying modernist simplicity, harmony and proportion at their most pristine.
The 1860s studio of Civil War era wet-plate photographer Charles de Rahm converted to a light-filled modern house for the owners by Joe Chapman. Soaring in elevation, the home's intimate interiors are filled with antiques and art, and provide creativity-inspiring living and workspace for award-winning filmmakers.
Part of a working farm when erected, one of the first Lord & Burnham greenhouses shipped to the US in 1890 was restored as a satellite studio by Robert Rhodes for his architectural practice. Reusing late 19th century window mechanicals , as well as existing copper and bricks, the space is faithful to green principles throughout and intones serenity and creativity through the seasons and times of day.
A family home designed by Robert Rhodes with a feeling of order and retreat hard to achieve when surrounded by the clutter of busy children. A mix of antiques and custom designed furniture by Eric Stark, landscapes by Brian Higley and beautiful views of the Hudson Highlands are accented by simple modern use of weathering cedar, industrial metals and custom colored roof surfaces.
A new, very modern wood and glass house named Fjordhaugen from the Hudson River's status as a fjord and haugen, meaning hill. By Larry Wente of Gertler Wente Kerbeykian Architects LLP, the home draws on the owner's Norwegian heritage in its design and has an environmentally friendly sod roof.
The Gustafson/Fleury House, by outstanding regional modern designer Frank Dushin, shares Russel Wright's love of Japanese design in its use of darker structural elements to accent lighter wall planes and beautiful wood craftsmanship. Exquisitely chosen furniture and beautiful views complete the sense of elegant repose.
Garrison House, constructed from matter-of-fact materials, defers to its natural setting. The corrugated aluminum-clad exterior reflects surrounding woodlands; floor-to-ceiling windows afford panoramic views of Hudson Highland slopes. Designed by and for a partner at Architecture Research Office with the modernist impetus "to do something simple well,"the home has been featured in House & Garden and At Home in the Hudson Valley.
The Manitoga Home and Studio of industrial designer Russel Wright - who made "modern" a household word in mid-century America. Stunning examples of American organic architecture, the structures sit in the side of a quarry above a waterfall and pond, and incorporate the designer's experiments into the harmonies between nature and design over nearly three decades. Manitoga is a National Historic Landmark.
Extraordinary Homes is sponsored by D. Yannitelli, Ltd., Polhemus Construction, Inc., Robert A. McCaffrey Realty, Inc., Grey Printing, Bittersweet, and Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. The day begins at Manitoga, where visitors pick up tickets, map and a bag lunch prepared by Wright's daughter Ann, a gourmet caterer.
Reservations are required for this event and tickets are still available. For more information about Extraordinary Homes and other Manitoga programs, visit www.russelwrightcenter.org or contact the office at 424-3812, info@russelwrightcenter.org.
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