There's No Shortage of Glass in These 7 Homes Designed by Philip Johnson
A pioneer of American modernism, Johnson designed the iconic Glass House for himself in 1949—creating a distinctive glass facade that was inspired by Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House. Although the Glass House is undeniably his most famous residential property, a look through these other significant residential projects might leave you struggling to choose a favorite.
Glass House
New Canaan, Connecticut
The house that started it all: Philip Johnson's Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut. He and David Whitney used to invite great minds from the architecture, design, and art worlds to visit the house for evenings of discussion and debate. When the Glass House opened to the public in 2007, its programmers continued the invite-only tradition.
Wiley House
New Canaan, Connecticut
Built in 1953, the Wiley House is made up of a single glass-and-wood rectangular pavilion that’s perched on top of a rectangular box made of stone and concrete. Johnson chose the six-acre plot of land himself and was particularly fond of the natural slopes of the site, which is surrounded by hickory trees.
Booth House
Bedford, New York
Completed in 1946, the Booth House was originally built for an advertising executive and his wife before becoming a rental property in 1955 for the architectural photographer Robert Damora, and architect Sirkka Damora. The Damoras later purchased the home and have lived there ever since. Now 93 years old, Sirkka has been seeking a new owner for this piece of architectural history. Litigation over the title means that the Booth House could face being torn down—so its buyer will also be its rescuer.
Hodgson House
New Canaan, Connecticut
Located across the street from Johnson's own Glass House, the Hodgson House was built for Richard and Geraldine Hodgson in 1951. The U-shape International Style home features a garden court.
Alice Ball House
New Canaan, Connecticut
The understated facade of the Alice Ball House conceals 12-foot ceilings. It's one of five significant houses designed by Philip Johnson in New Canaan, Connecticut.
Boissonnas House
New Canaan, Connecticut
Designed by Philip Johnson for Eric Boissonnas and his family, this house was completed in 1956. Originally designed as a series of pavilions constructed of steel, brick, and glass, the home has since been updated by subsequent owners.
The Robert C. Leonhardt House
Long Island, New York
This modernist home in Lloyd Harbor, Long Island, was built in 1956.
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