Designing with the landscape in mind

Manitoga / The Russel Wright Design Center

I recently had the opportunity to visit Manitoga, which was the estate and modernist home of industrial designer Russel Wright. Currently, Manitoga / The Russel Wright Design Center "preserves, protects and shares Russel Wright's modernist house, studio and woodland garden as a masterful integration of design and nature, a powerful example of land reclamation, and a resource for inspired design in daily living through public tours, programs and events." Considered a National Historic Landmark, an Affiliate Site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and a World Monuments Watch Site, Manitoga is one of the few 20th century modern homes open to the public in New York State. Manitoga / The Russel Wright Design Center

I couldn't have chosen a more beautiful day for my drive to this majestic setting, and I couldn't believe that this hidden gem is less than an hour from where I live. It is tucked away in a wooded area in Garrison, NY -- not far from West Point, the U.S. Military Academy.

The site is truly unique. Prior to Wright purchasing the property in 1942, it had been an active granite quarry -- supplying stone for buildings in New York City. As a lover of nature, Wright wanted to build a home that would blend with the landscape. I learned that he spent 12 years researching and studying the land before beginning to build his house and studio.

Walking through the buildings and grounds, it becomes apparent that Wright was an extremely innovative and detail-oriented person. The indoor and outdoor spaces transition seamlessly, with interior rock walls and stone patios. A main focal point of the entire property is the old quarry hole, which Wright and his family used as a swimming pool.

My purpose for visiting Manitoga was to write an article about it for the fall issue of Building Stone Magazine, which is published by Contemporary Stone & Tile Design's parent company, BNP Media. I always love when my job takes me to new places. If you are ever in the area, I suggest visiting this historic site to explore the beauty of the land and the masterpiece that Wright had created. It is a prime example of utilizing local resources.

As Group Editorial Director of Stone World, Contemporary Stone & Tile Design and TILE, Jennifer Richinelli has been covering the stone and tile industries since she launched her career at BNP Media in 1996. Throughout her tenure, she has visited and reported on numerous national and international quarries, stone fabrication shops, trade shows and other industry events. She has also collaborated with members of the A&D community, including many renowned architects, on articles about designing with stone and tile.

Contact Jennifer at richinellij@bnpmedia.com or (201) 245-5204.

One of the main global events for the stone and machinery segment, offering an opportunity for buyers and sellers of stone products and services from around the world to source an astounding array of the very latest technologies, innovations and techniques.