Midcentury modern architect John Lee passed away in 2016 but left behind a suite of distinguished yet quiet homes in his wake in New Canaan, Connecticut. Some of these are part of the New Canaan Glass House Tours. Another is a place a young family now calls home. The mid-century gem exemplifies Lee’s work in integrating the town’s picturesque landscape into a building’s form and function. It was up to New York–based Sarah Jacoby Architect to update this work to make sense for the family who recently relocated to the area. The renovation seamlessly sprinkles modern touches while emphasizing what Lee did so well.
The original home followed traditional leanings with a boxy volume topped with a mansard roof, built into a sloping grade so the deck and garage fit within. Prior to Sarah Jacoby’s work, an addition with abundant glazing was added onto the residence which incorporated a larger family room. The architects approached the project by stripping back some of the renovations from over the years so that Lee’s work can shine.
The bathroom on the first floor was thus removed to re-expose the brick-clad core of the home and fireplace. Circulation moves around this original element with a now-open kitchen to one side and new dining area on the other.
Removing the bathroom allows for a more spacious and intentional place to eat. The dining area, anchored by a large wooden table surrounded by Marcel Breuer’s Cesca Chairs, overlooks a seating area before it opens up into the double-height space. Exposed wooden beams and columns ground the area in a sense of place and warmth.
More exposed brick continues up the stairs, where minimal steps and railings leave the brick work to do the bulk of the scene setting. The architects continued to preserve what makes sense throughout the home. The original built-in millwork and storage in the bedrooms were also retained and relocated in the final design.
The new additions were sprinkled throughout the home without overshadowing the structure’s mid-century styles. In some cases, modern touches are disguised. The stylish wet bar of green marble is tucked behind original doors to conceal the luxury element from the rest of the quiet home. In other cases, new elements are on full display. New tile work from clé tile and Fireclay dominate the bathrooms. Light pink tiles or fluted neutral cladding offer texture and contemporary style while continuing the home’s humble elegance. This remains true for the new kitchen elements—the new system from Reform, tiled black backsplash, and lighting by In Common With—complement Lee’s minimalist aesthetic.
The architects updated the home with energy efficiency in mind. The design team replaced all single-glazed windows with double panes and added a new heating and cooling system in place of the original system of heated electric ceilings which were ineffective and expensive. The updates are situated alongside period-appropriate furniture—the Wassily Chair, an Eames Lounge Chair, and paper lantern—harmonizing the new with the old.