Breuer's continued use of the shaded method emphasizes his own feelings about form and function, as the shading was very practical. Not only did it allow for full views without glare, but it also reflected heat from the buildings before the radiant energy could get trapped within the structure (Turvey 74).
Another focus in Brauer's designs is his purposeful emphasis on building structure. Like his furniture, many of Breuer's designs draw attention to the structural features, including girders, beams, and wall supports (Masello 68). His playful cantilevered designs (again used in both his furniture and architecture) allow for symmetrical yet functional and simple aesthetic appeal.
One such design, finished with partner Herbert Beckhard, features all of the aspects common to Breuer's aesthetic vision. The 4,400 square foot McMullen Beach House, was built as a vacation home for Jacquie McMullen and family in 1960 (Masello 68). Beckhard and Breauer were challenged with designing a beach house for a property that was narrow, close to the road, and nestled between a number of other beach houses that formed a line along the coast. The eventual design needed to emphasize the coast and beach area while maintaining privacy both from the road and from the neighbors (Masello 68). The resulting structure incorporated Breuer's use of light and shading, his cantilevered design, and his emphasis on structure. Beckhard's style was also apparent, as he favored unobstructed interior spaces and limited beams that assisted in a feeling of "floating" ceilings (Masello 68).
The McMullen Beach House was a two-story rectangular block, seemingly stacked on a smaller, one-story rectangular base. The small block entryway on the ground level is made of glass and concrete block, with a clear view of the ocean through glass as people enter the structure (Masello 68). The upper rectangle is cantilevered out five feet in all four directions over the lower section. The design is raised both to add privacy and to maximize the ocean views. It also has a practical aspect in that it is less likely to be damaged during large coastal storms (Masello 68).
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Here, Breuer's design is apparent in the brown, covered sun screen fixed in place to, again, emphasize views and increase privacy (Masello 68-71). Beyond the windows, the structural elements of the house are brought forward through the use of both design and coloring; not only is the structural system exposed but all of the supporting beams are stained a dark color to draw attention to them where they stand next to stark, white plaster walls. With the post and beam structures also complemented by natural wood trim, Masello suggests that it resembles traditional Japanese dwellings (68). Though it is two stories high, the living room does not have a floor above it an instead takes advantage of the high windows and their carefully planned views of the ocean. Additionally, the living room includes a custom modern fireplace, also designed b the architects. The bush-hammered concrete fireplace resembles two inverted V's and commands attention in the wide, open space of the main floor (Masello 68-71).
Breuer's accomplishments earned him many accolades over the course of his life and career. He received the Gold Medal of the American Institute of Architects in the 1950s. His memoirs and a variety of other architectural papers and books were published at intervals during his active years. He also received honorary degrees from both Harvard and the Technical University of Budapest. Retiring in 1976 after a busy career, Breuer died July 1, 1981 (Marcel Breuer: architect biography, par. 3).
Works Cited
Marcel Breuer. n.d. Art & Culture. 7 Dec. 2006 http://www.artandculture.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/ACLive.woa/wa/artist?id=326.
Marcel Breuer: architect biography. n.d. Architecture.sk. 7 Dec. 2006 http://architect.architecture.sk/marcel-breuer-architect/marcel-breuer-architect.php.
Masello, David. Architecture Without Rules: The Houses of Marcel Breuer and Herbert Beckhard. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1993.
Turvey, Cameron. The Oakville Experiment. Canadian Architect Nov. 2005: 74.
