Rado Redux - Gluck+ - The Owner-Builder Network

Last Updated on January 29, 2018 by teamobn

Rado Redux – Gluck +

Armonk, NY

It was built in the 1950s with a design so modern, it was way before its time. A renovation in the 1980s compromised it. Now, its current owners want it renovated in a way that would meet the original intention of the house.

Renovation projects are often challenging because the changes will have to work around an original structure. More so, when the renovation is for the famous modern house of Czech architect Ladislav Rado.

Despite the limitations in the size of the built-up area and the budget, the architects, Peter Gluck and Partners Architects, were able to meet the expectations of the house’s new owners. Read their detailed description of this renovation project below:

From the architects. “The Czech émigré architect, Ladislav Rado’s famous modern house built in 1956-57, provided the original context for its renovation. Exemplary of its time, the building reflects the simplicity and directness of the relationship to the outside and to the landscape, with influences from Japan. The current clients came to us with a house that had been compromised by a postmodern 1980s renovation. A half-round stair tower had been added and the original cantilever over the ravine filled in with a bedroom addition. It was not only gratifying to renovate and respect the original intention, but to also add a more modern program and to build in the flexibility for change.

Challenges included the restriction that only 1,000 SF could be added to the original house and a limited project budget. By utilizing an architect-led design build process, costs were reduced by a third and the budget was met.

The current renovation preserves the ‘floating box’ form by restoring the second floor cantilever, wrapping the whole upper box with a new hi-tech wood cladding. An expanded palette of materials includes new double insulated glass to update the original rabbeted window frame detail and floor to ceiling glass sliders preserve the existing glass expression which opens up views to the woods from the master bedroom suite.”

Rado Redux totally redefines the stereotypical idea of that house in the woods, but despite its modern design, it does compliment its natural surroundings.

What do you think?