The land allocated to the architect is next to Walden Pond. Historic New England, the nation’s oldest and largest regional preservation organization, now operates the mansion and has a designated route to it: Route 126 South past Walden Pond.
The apple orchard and other trees around the house create a special atmosphere, and the panoramic windows and spacious terraces allow the surrounding nature to permeate the house. Perhaps this is a modern interpretation of the idea of oneness with nature that Henry Thoreau proclaimed?
Main floor living room fireplace built into the load-bearing wall on the west side of the house. This is the side from which the house looks the most expressive. The roof overhang and lattice terrace on the second floor, supported by slender piles, give the building a light, graceful look. The same piles support the covered veranda at the back of the house.
The glass wall looks exactly the same on the inside as it does on the outside. Not only does it create a kind of shelter, forming a cozy hallway, but it also lets in soft indirect sunlight.
From the hallway there is an entrance to the study, with large windows facing north. The study also leads outside to a spiral staircase leading up to the upper terrace. This layout allows access to the terrace without going through the second-floor children’s bedroom.
The floor plan at the end of this article offers a detailed look at the building’s features.
To get to the master bedroom, you have to go through the dressing room of the architect’s wife, Ise. The closet and bathroom are on the left. This unique and perhaps uncomfortable layout is corrected by the transparent wall with a built-in mirror.
The architect died in 1969, and his wife decided 10 years later to donate the house to the New England Heritage Preservation Organization, now Historic New England. The house became a museum in 1985, two years after Ise’s death. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2002.
Forty-five years of maintenance and periodic renovations have kept the original furnishings in perfect shape, which are worth seeing.
Wow, the Gropius house sounds fascinating! As a reader, I’m curious to know more about the Art Nouveau movement and its influence on the architectural design of such homes. How did Gropius integrate the principles of Bauhaus into this iconic house?
I’m amazed by the stunning Art Nouveau homes, especially the renowned Gropius house designed by the founder of Bauhaus. Can anyone share more insights about the architectural features that define this iconic house? How does it embody the principles of the Bauhaus movement?
The Gropius house is indeed a remarkable example of Art Nouveau architecture and a testament to the principles of the Bauhaus movement. Designed by Walter Gropius himself, it embodies the movement’s vision of simplicity, functionality, and integration of art into everyday life. The house features clean lines, geometric shapes, and a harmonious balance of form and function. It is characterized by an open floor plan, large windows that bring in natural light, and an emphasis on the use of industrial materials such as steel and glass. The design also embraces the idea of total design, where every element of the house, from furniture to lighting fixtures, was carefully considered and integrated into the overall aesthetic. The Gropius house exemplifies the Bauhaus philosophy of uniting art and technology, creating a space that is not only visually appealing but also practical and functional.