The Rye House is an iconic mid-century modern house that was originally designed in 1957 by Bauhaus Architect Ulrich Franzen, and later reimagined by GF55 Partner David E. Gross AIA.

The historic house now approaching 70 years old was experimental and modest. Franzen’s design was symmetrical and intentionally compact to form an abstract object on the landscape. Gross’ addition creates a dialogue with the original as it extends the formal vocabulary. The addition creates an asymmetrical ensemble that flows with the grade, extending outward with garden walls forming a forecourt. 

The exterior of the house was painted white to unite the old and the new, and to reinforce the abstract quality of the house. The look for the interior is natural and earthy, with rugs and artwork adding color, and mid-century classic furniture by Le Corbusier, Mies Van der Rohe, and Alvar Aalto. 

The widely published Rye House received the AIA Design Award of Merit in 1957 and 1998. It has been featured in Architectural Digest (“Modernist Dialogue”) Architectural Record, Westchester Magazine, HGTV, Design for Living and included in the books Modernism Reborn, Universe and The Decorated Diagram: Harvard Architecture and the Failure of the Bauhaus Legacy along with many other publications.