marcel breuer's cape cod home is for sale, but there's still a chance to prevent its demolition

A Campaign to Save Marcel Breuer’s Historic Summer Home

Non-profit Cape Cod Modern House Trust (CCMHT) has taken on the task of preserving Marcel Breuer’s historic summer home in Massachusetts. Over seven decades ago, the renowned Bauhaus architect crafted this residence for his family, a structure that encapsulates his iconic design principles. Perched on stilts, the structure, along with its original furnishings, has remained within the Breuer family since its inception. With a contract set to be finalized in spring 2024, CCMHT aims to acquire the property from Marcel Breuer’s son, Tomas. The organization faces the monumental task of raising funds within a year, totaling $2 million. This financial effort is aimed at safeguarding this architectural gem, restoring the house to its original glory, and establishing it as a hub for study, creativity, and public engagement.

The urgency to secure donations, at least $1.4 million, is driven by the threat of the open market. According to the organization, if the property were to be placed on sale, there’s a risk that a new owner could choose to demolish the historic structure within a year, taking advantage of a 12-month Historic Demolition Delay. Destroying this house would mean losing something special from the Outer Cape’s history and an important part of the Bauhaus legacy, but also disrupting the local ecosystem. Sadly, a similar thing happened to Breuer’s Geller House on Long Island, which was demolished in 2022 so neighbors could build a tennis court. People in Wellfleet have shown they care about preserving local treasures by voting three times to use Community Preservation Act funds for restoring CCMHT’s earlier projects.

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A Legacy in 20th-Century Architecture and Design

Marcel Breuer, an iconic figure in 20th-century design, left an unforgettable imprint on the world of architecture. Starting his journey as the youngest student at the Bauhaus in Germany, he rapidly ascended to become a celebrated presence in the design sphere. His innovative use of bent tubular steel revolutionized furniture making, with creations like the Cesca chair gaining global recognition.

Over the years, the architect utilized the house as an experimental space for new concepts. The walls saw multiple color changes to achieve diverse effects. In 1961, he expanded the house with a generous studio for art, music, and gatherings. Later, in 1968, a small apartment was added, complete with a darkroom and a separate entrance for his son, Tomas.

‘The Breuer house is not only an important piece of architecture, it was also a meeting place for many of the great designers and artists of the era including the Saarinen family, Florence Knoll, Alexander Calder, Walter Gropius and many others. We have a chance to save it from ruin and to make it a busy nexus of learning and creativity again,’ stated Peter McMahon, Founding Director, Cape Cod Modern House Trust (see more here).

image by Raimund Koch, via Docomomo US

Cultural Significance of the House and its Contents

The potential acquisition comes with the home’s contents, comprising Breuer’s valuable art collection and furniture. This encompasses examples of his renowned manufactured furniture, unique tables, couches, and handwoven wool rugs crafted specifically for the house. The collection also features over 200 books on art and design, with many personally inscribed by their authors. Noteworthy artists like Alexander Calder, Bauhaus alumni Paul Klee, Josef Albers, and Herbert Bayer, along with bronze sculptures by Costentino Nivola, contribute to the art collection.

Adjacent to the driveway, a stone slab by sculptor Masayuki Nagare holds symbolic significance, brought by Breuer from a trip to Japan. Beneath the stone repose the ashes of Marcel and Connie Breuer, along with other family members. Together, the house constitutes numerous rolls of film captured by accomplished photographer Tomas Breuer.

Breuer Cottage, via Docomomo US

Cape Cod’s Architectural heritage

Cape Cod is known for its collection of modernist houses designed by various architects. Aside from Breuer’s designs, one noteworthy dwelling is the Weidlinger House, created by Paul Weidlinger and constructed in 1953. This house features exposed steel beams, glass walls, and cantilevered structures common in modernist design.

Another example is the Kugel/Gips House, designed by Charlie Zehnder in 1970. This residence showcases the influence of Bauhaus architecture. Its flat roof, clean lines, and geometric forms are reminiscent of the modernist movement. Truro Modernist House by Nathaniel Saltonstall is another modernist example characterized by its open floor plan, large windows, and integration with the surrounding landscape.

Breuer Cottage, via Docomomo US