Renowned Architect Philip Johnson’s Hidden Brick House Unveiled After Restoration
The iconic Glass House, designed by architect Philip Johnson, has long been a symbol of midcentury elegance on the East Coast. However, hidden just 80 feet away from this masterpiece was another gem – the Brick House. Closed to the public for the past 15 years due to water damage, the Brick House has finally been restored and unveiled to visitors in time for the Glass House’s 75th anniversary.
Johnson considered the Glass House and the Brick House as two parts of a single home, with the former being transparent and the latter opaque. While the exterior of the Brick House may seem plain and unassuming, the interior is a treasure trove of color, texture, and fantastical detail. The highlight of the Brick House is the dim, sand-hued bedroom, inspired by a room in the London home of architect John Soane. With its vaulted ceilings, hidden lighting, and luxurious Fortuny fabric panels, the bedroom exudes a sense of intimacy and glamour.
The restoration of the Brick House also sheds light on Johnson’s design philosophy and evolution as an architect. Known for his Modernist style, Johnson broke away from purist tenets with the Brick House’s bedroom, incorporating historical references and experimenting with different styles. The bedroom’s sensuality and theatricality hint at Johnson’s personal life, leading some scholars to view the space as a reflection of his closeted identity.
The reopening of the Brick House not only completes the narrative of Johnson’s iconic Glass House but also humanizes the architect, showing that even a master of spectacle sought moments of introspection and relaxation. The restored Brick House invites visitors to explore Johnson’s multifaceted design sensibilities and offers a glimpse into the private world of one of America’s most influential architects.
