The owners admire the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, so we attempted to make a house where Frank Lloyd Wright leaves the Prairie and settles in New England. The plan and ordering principles of the house are informed by the ideas of Wright and Louis Kahn.

Combining Wrightean themes with traditional New England architecture, this long rambling wood house clings to the Mianus riverbank only 25 feet away. Facing the water along a north-south route, it repeats horizontal lines, broad shaded overhangs and a heavy, natural stone foundation. The east elevation faces distant houses, offering New England village neighborliness while maintaining privacy and order.

Entering from a walkway under the trees east of the house, one is guided directly onto the east-west path facing a small window seat belvedere, with a splendid river view. The principal path runs parallel to the river and is washed by natural light from multi-shaped windows and gabled skylights. Spaces of differing size and height unfold to the north and south.

The master bedroom, dining and living rooms, two studies, and primary outer terrace all are octagonal forms. The building materials are natural, with similar colors inside and out. Exterior cedar planking is complemented by red oak in the interior. Fireplaces and other elements are built of stone from the property.