Future Home

An award-winning, modern masterpiece inspired by Neutra

Vince and Adrienne Murphy’s rural retreat is clad in gray shingles and gray-stained pine. “They wanted the cottage to meld into the woods and be visually quiet,” says architect Kelly Doran, who worked with Portico Timber Frames to build the 2,500-square-foot home.

Although strikingly different from its traditional farmhouse exterior, the interiors reference the outer appearance with an exposed solid granite wall in the living room and exposed roof trusses with black plated junctions that recall the artisanal joinery and construction techniques found in traditional Japanese homes.

A slot window in the lower level hallway frames views of the tree-laden site. Pocket doors—which completely disappear into the walls—create an open flow of space.

WingSpan House floor plan

The home also includes a large, walk-out basement that directly connects to the landscape. Gardens are spread out along the 14-acre property, including orchards of lemon, orange, pear, apple, olive, fig, prune, quince, and pomegranate trees.

Stepping down the landscape from east to west, the timber cabin takes in sweeping views of the open sea on one side and the dramatic hills on the other. Large glazed openings and an all-timber palette further blur the line between indoors and out.

First floor plan of Knowlton Residence by Thomas Balaban Architect (TBA).

The tranquil master suite features a custom bed by Ancerl Studio and custom black marble cube nightstands. The brown leather bench is from Elte Mkt, and the rug is from West Elm.

Irvington, New York Dwell Magazine : November / December 2017

Lake Geneva Residence floor plan

The L-shaped modular house has a floor plan with two distinct wings — one for living and the other for sleeping. The communal dining, living and kitchen area is encased in glass and overlooks Dunalley Bay, while the three bedrooms are tucked away down a hallway for privacy.

REPII diagram

Years of regrettable remodels had obscured the Guthrie House’s origins, but Marina and Avalon Rossi uncovered its roots and decided to restore the architect’s vision. After years of research, the Avi Ross Group initiated a 2019 renovation that would bring the house back to Frey’s original design intent and also instill standards of modern living. "We wanted it to look like a house dropped in the middle of the desert, which it was originally," says Avalon Rossi.

The weekend retreat is a welcome respite from the hustle of Mexico City.