Murchison House

The Murchison House, in Provincetown Massachusetts, is a very important piece of American Modernist architecture and we are thrilled to be a part of its restoration and rebirth. The house was designed by Modernist master, Walter Gropius and was Architectural Record Magazine’s “House of the Year” for 1958. By all accounts, it was Mr. Gropius’ largest and most lavish residence and it is certainly one of the most significant pieces of Modernist residential architecture anywhere. The house itself has a story worthy of a feature film – from the fire that destroyed its predecessor to the heyday with Sinatra by the pool to its long, slow decline with just one lonely inhabitant. We are pleased to be providing consulting services to the new owner, bringing the house back to its original condition. In so doing, we are advising on all manner of construction and finish choices, including new weather sealing and energy efficiency measures. We are examining ways of restoring the original look and feel of the place while also minimizing its eco-footprint (it IS a house from the late 1950’s after all…). Although this is a long-term project, we are convinced that by taking our time and making thoughtful decisions, the Murchison house will regain its high-modernist verve and carry it thru the next half-century as testament to ‘50’s hip.