Richard Meier's Smith house was one of the iconic American architect’s earliest forays into residential architecture. The Connecticut home, constructed for the Smith family and built between 1965 - 67, lies tucked away amongst the rocky landscape and greenery on the area's picturesque Gold Coast, situated within the small lakeside town of Darien. This is a breathraking location; and one that we couldn't resist exploring for one of our key fashion shoots for the March 2016 issue, entitled 'Between The Lines'.
This white, almost-ethereal construction proudly showcases Meier’s well-loved modernist minimalism and clean aesthetics. The property’s geometric layers of intersecting bright white planes, delightfully offsets the area’s surrounding foliage. This visual contrast produces a dramatic effect, highlighting Meiers’ ability to execute a sharp, yet beautiful juxtaposition of nature and architecture.
Within the three storey property, the living and sleeping areas are forged around a clear separation of public and private spaces. On the front facing side of the house, snug cubic rooms are dotted with strategically placed windows that make the best use of light, thus creating a comfortable interior.
The rear side, which overlooks the ocean and breathtaking cove below, boasts a delicate, transparent glass facade that allows light to flood into the communal areas of the house, seamlessly connecting the inside space with the outside environment and in result, creating a well-lit, vibrant place to relax.
The Smith House truly stands the test of time; fast approaching its 50th birthday, the construction still encapsulates effortless modernist elegance, confirming Meier’s unique creative vision, flawless execution and mastery of the complex balance of proportion and light.
The full fashion photoshoot at the Smith House can be found in the March 2016 issue of Wallpaper*
The three storey property expertly offsets the surrounding foliage, creating a strong juxtaposition between nature and architecture
See the full fashion shoot based at the Smith House in the March 2016 issue of Wallpaper* (*204).
The light, clean vibrancy of the house made an ideal backdrop for the architectural dresses on display.
INFORMATION
For more information on the Smith House, please visit Richard Meier’s website
-
In Vietnam, Amanoi’s most indulgent residence yet is almost hidden on an East Sea clifftopAman’s ‘place of peace’ in Vietnam introduces the Amanoi Ocean Pool Residence, an architectural feat complete with its own private beach and spa
-
Yinka Ilori just teamed up with M.A.D. Editions on a trio of ultra-colourful watchesBut hurry – you'll need to enter a raffle to score one for yourself
-
The Hasselblad X2D II 100C takes the iconic camera brand to a new level of sophisticationSweden’s most sophisticated camera manufacturer announces a new flagship medium-format digital camera and zoom lens
-
La Maison de la Baie de l’Ours melds modernism into the shores of a Québécois lakeACDF Architecture’s grand family retreat in Quebec offers a series of flowing living spaces and private bedrooms beneath a monumental wooden roof
-
How LA's Terremoto brings 'historic architecture into its next era through revitalising the landscapes around them'Terremoto, the Los Angeles and San Francisco collective landscape architecture studio, shakes up the industry through openness and design passion
-
This cinematic home in Palm Springs sets a new standard for Desert Modern designJill Lewis Architecture and landscape architecture firm Hoerr Schaudt joined forces to envision an exceptional sanctuary
-
Hilborn House, one of Arthur Erickson’s few residential projects, is now on the marketThe home, first sketched on an envelope at Montreal Airport, feels like a museum of modernist shapes, natural materials and indoor-outdoor living
-
Inside a Donald Wexler house so magical, its owner bought it twiceSo transfixed was Daniel Patrick Giles, founder of fragrance brand Perfumehead, he's even created a special scent devoted to it
-
Maison Louis Carré, the only Alvar Aalto house in France, reopens after restorationDesigned by the modernist architect in the 1950s as the home of art dealer Louis Carré, the newly restored property is now open to visit again – take our tour
-
The Pagani Residences is the latest ultra-luxe automotive apartment tower to reach MiamiRising up above Miami, branded apartment buildings are having a renaissance, as everyone from hypercar builders to crystal makers seeks to have a towering structure bearing their name
-
A modern cabin in Minnesota serves as a contemporary creative retreat from the citySnow Kreilich Architects' modern cabin and studio for an artist on a lakeside plot in Minnesota was designed to spark creativity and provide a refuge from the rat race
