residential
Just the Right Stuff Simplicity, clarity and precision form the foundation for Robert Cohen Architect’s high standards. Story by Joel Cornell Images courtesy of Robert Cohen Architects
“T
here will never be great architects or great architecture without great patrons.” This quote from famed English architect Sir Edwin Lutyens speaks volumes about the way architect Robert Cohen conducts his business. Seeking to define the truest possible balance of art and science, Cohen stresses an approach to architecture as one of the fine arts instead of a standard trade. Before founding Robert Cohen Architect in 1990, Cohen worked alongside renowned architect Edward Larrabee Barnes at his New York City office. There, Cohen focused on many prestigious architecture projects, learning to accept only high quality results using the most rigorous methods developed for construction. When Cohen did finally strike out on his own, his focused switched to small renovations and the reconstruction of metropolitan apartments and townhouses. Though he still maintains an office in New York City, Robert Cohen Architect is currently based out of Westport, Conn. The firm’s recent Barn Modern project, in the N.Y. hamlet of Chappaqua, is a perfect contrast of Cohen’s experience in old and new. Created by the juxtaposition of rustic, hand honed wood timbers from agricultural structures and sleek, machined materials, bright colors and bold forms, this fascinating distinction further fostered high levels of integration and collaboration between old and new. In addition to renovating countless elements of the building, Robert Cohen Architect implemented several sustainable and energy efficient measures for the project, all at the behest of the client. “So much of our work is informed entirely by the client,” Cohen said. “We’ve always maintained as high a level of client interaction as we can feasibly manage. What’s more, whenever possible, we collaborate with structural, electrical and mechanical engineers early on in order to ensure that all conceiv 30 Architecture Leaders Today
VASTU MODERN, WESTON, CT This compact house includes a lap pool room as the entry foyer, home office, eat in kitchen, master bedroom suite with spa, living room, a second floor artist studio and future bedroom/artist studio for resale purposes. The first floor has a green roof with a yoga pad at its center.