A Respectful Reinterpretation of a Bauhaus Legacy on Accabonac Harbor
Bergdesign was honored to renovate this distinctive East Hampton residence originally designed by architect Charles Forberg, son-in-law of Walter Gropius, founder of the Bauhaus School. Set on a beautifully wooded property overlooking Accabonac Harbor, the home was conceived as a striking composition of crisp shingled roof volumes perched atop a fragmented concrete base, an expressive study in contrast, geometry, and modernist ideals.

The new owners were captivated by the house’s pedigree and sculptural presence, yet recognized that the interior layout no longer supported contemporary living. Bergdesign’s renovation focused on restoring coherence, comfort, and flow, while remaining deeply faithful to the architectural principles established in the original design.

Key interventions included:

• Thermally connecting the once-disjointed first-floor volumes, creating a unified and energy-efficient foundation.

• Expanding and elevating the formerly buried kitchen, integrating it into a generous open living space with improved natural light and circulation.

• Transforming a former double-height art studio into a serene primary bedroom suite, honoring the original proportions while enhancing livability.

• Adding dormers to increase usability and light in upper-level spaces, improving function without disrupting the exterior roof geometry.

• Increasing exterior door heights to strengthen indoor-outdoor relationships and improve visual harmony.

• Introducing a new steel-and-wood pergola and expanded exterior deck overlooking the wooded landscape and harbor.

• Comprehensive upgrades including new cladding, roofing, windows, skylights, millwork, flooring, lighting, and HVAC systems, along with careful restoration of original concrete elements.

Throughout the project, Bergdesign’s guiding mandate was clear: update and refine without erasing the spirit of Charles Forberg’s vision. The result is a thoughtful modern renovation that strengthens the home’s Bauhaus lineage while aligning it with the needs of contemporary living on the East End.