Located in Ridgefield, Connecticut, is one of a very few private residences designed by famed Uruguayan architect, Rafael Viñoly. The architect is best known for his large-scale commissions such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Tokyo International Forum, and the divisive 432 Park Avenue, currently holding the record as the tallest residential tower in the Western Hemisphere.
Privately set on five acres of land, the sale of the 16,000-square-foot concrete home is unique in that it is being sold together with a 3,500-square-foot farmhouse across the street. An additional 11-acres of land is also thrown into the deal.
Originally completed in 1990, Viñoly's sculptural design for the estate was conceived of with indoor/outdoor living in mind, intended to maximize "the extraordinary light pattern and views" from the hilltop property—spectacular views that extend straight out across the bucolic landscape and towards the Hudson River. The construction of the home was quite a feat and required bringing in 350 pre-cast concrete panels (averaging 10’ x 20’ in size) from Toronto, Canada, and carefully attaching them to a 35-ton steel frame—balancing glass windows and skylight roof canopies on top.
Highlights include: a dramatic open-plan living space, awash in natural light; an indoor and outdoor pool; extensive glazing; custom metalwork and woodwork throughout; and two master bedroom suites—including one privately set at the back of the property in a rectangular tower with its own private penthouse study and a rooftop lookout deck. Plus, there's that farmhouse across the street.
Jennifer Baum Lagdameo is a freelance design writer who has lived in Washington DC, Brooklyn, Tokyo, Manila, and is currently exploring the Pacific Northwest from her home base in Portland, Oregon.