The Weinberg Residence & Boathouse
A Frank Lloyd Wright-Inspired Lake House for Lake Placid, New York
When Max Weinberg - the legendary drummer of Bruce Springsteen's E-Street Band and longtime bandleader for the Conan O'Brien Show - approached me to design a summer retreat on Lake Placid, it presented an exciting opportunity to merge contemporary needs with timeless architectural principles. As an ardent admirer of Frank Lloyd Wright's work, Max sought a design that would honor Wright's aesthetic while creating a thoroughly modern living space.
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The design took its primary inspiration from Wright's intimate Seth Peterson Cottage, reimagining its iconic living room on a slightly larger scale. The expanded great room maintained Wright's characteristic strong lines and deep connection to the landscape while incorporating an enlarged footprint to better suit the Weinbergs’ needs. The kitchen, a focal point for Becky, a talented chef, was carefully expanded and reoriented to balance professional functionality with organic design elements characteristic of Wright's work.
Extending from this central space, I developed two in-line wings using Wright's Usonian principles: private master suites on one side and separate guest quarters on the other. These additions maintained the original design language while creating distinct zones for privacy and hospitality. The low-slung rooflines and strategic window placement emphasized the home's integration with its lakeside setting.
I also designed a two-slip boathouse, crowned with a spacious entertainment terrace. This structure was conceived not merely as a utility building but as a sculptural element that would enhance the property's presence when viewed from both the water and shore. Its design established its own distinct identity while harmonizing with the main house's architectural vocabulary.
Though the project ultimately remained unbuilt due to logistical considerations regarding Max's touring schedule, the design represents a thoughtful exploration of how Wright's principles can be adapted to contemporary lifestyles while maintaining their fundamental integrity.
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