In the world of collectors, Mark McDonald is often referred to as the godfather of midcentury modern design. He launched his first gallery, Fifty/50, in Manhattan in 1983, which highlighted the vintage works of renowned designers like Marcel Breuer, Alvar Aalto, and the Eameses. After two decades, McDonald moved to Hudson, New York, transforming a former department store into a showcase for modern design.
As the search for midcentury pieces became more challenging, McDonald and his partner Dwayne Resnick commissioned architect Steven Holl to create a new space behind their store. This house serves as an office, library, and a display area for their collection. Although they reside in nearby Hillsdale, this house is where they keep their most treasured pieces.
A Creative Collaboration
During the pandemic, McDonald realized that working from home was unproductive due to distractions. He reached out to Holl, who agreed to collaborate on this project, leading to a unique partnership between two perfectionists. Their shared admiration for the works of Rudolph Schindler and Frank Lloyd Wright influenced the design process.
The L-House, named for its distinctive shape, features a south-facing garden and a reflecting pool, complete with a salvaged lighting fixture from a Wright house. The exterior is clad in powder-coated aluminium, designed to be more cost-effective and maintenance-free than traditional materials. The interior is a blend of soft-toned birch ply and vibrant furniture, creating a harmonious living space.
Architectural Elegance
Holl's design is inspired by the Luminist paintings of the Hudson River School, allowing light to flood the interior while providing cross ventilation. The open-plan layout features a pine staircase leading to a mezzanine bedroom, with a catwalk that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The house includes playful geometric elements, like a powder room that projects from the inner angle of the ‘L’, serving as a divider between public and private spaces. This thoughtful design emphasizes the creativity and complexity that Holl is known for.
Holl's smaller projects, like the L-House, showcase his ability to innovate within constraints, making it a perfect example of modern architecture that respects its surroundings while embracing functionality.
For more insights, check out the April 2025 issue of Wallpaper*.
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