A distinguished midcentury modern home in New Canaan, Connecticut, has received a thoughtful renovation that honors its original architect's vision while adapting to contemporary family life. The residence, designed by the late John Lee, exemplifies the integration of Connecticut's picturesque landscape with modernist architectural principles that made Lee's work notable in the area.
John Lee, the midcentury modern architect who passed away in 2016, left behind an impressive legacy of distinguished yet understated homes throughout New Canaan. Several of his works are featured as part of the prestigious New Canaan Glass House Tours, highlighting their architectural significance. Lee was particularly renowned for his ability to seamlessly integrate the town's natural landscape into his building designs, creating structures that worked in harmony with their surroundings.
The home in question became the residence of a young family who recently relocated to the Connecticut area. Recognizing the architectural value of Lee's original work, the family enlisted New York-based Sarah Jacoby Architect to update the property for modern living while preserving its midcentury character. The challenge was to make the space functional for contemporary family life without compromising the integrity of Lee's original design vision.
The original structure followed traditional architectural leanings, featuring a boxy volume topped with a distinctive mansard roof. The building was cleverly constructed into a sloping grade, allowing the deck and garage to fit naturally within the topography. This integration with the landscape was a hallmark of Lee's approach to residential design, demonstrating his skill in working with challenging sites.
Prior to Sarah Jacoby's involvement, the home had undergone previous modifications, including an addition featuring abundant glazing that incorporated a larger family room. While this addition provided more space, it had altered the original character of Lee's design. Over the years, various renovations had layered changes onto the structure, gradually moving it away from its original architectural intent.
Sarah Jacoby Architect approached the renovation project with a philosophy of careful restoration and selective modernization. The firm's strategy involved stripping back some of the renovations that had accumulated over the years, allowing Lee's original architectural vision to shine through once again. Rather than imposing dramatic changes, the renovation seamlessly sprinkles modern touches throughout the home while emphasizing and celebrating what Lee had accomplished so masterfully in his original design.
The renovation represents a thoughtful balance between preservation and adaptation, demonstrating how midcentury modern architecture can be updated for contemporary living without losing its essential character. By focusing on Lee's strengths in landscape integration and spatial organization, Sarah Jacoby Architect has created a home that serves both as a functional family residence and as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-executed midcentury modern design in Connecticut's architectural landscape.
