Ulrich Franzen’s Dana House is a Mid-Century Marvel in Connecticut

With the explosion of popularity in mid-century style, there is no shortage of information and reproductions of some of the most popular styles from that era.

But not many people will have the chance to live in a house from one of the foremost architects of the mid-century design movement. This house in New Caanan, Connecticut was designed by German-born architect Ulrich Franzen. Many of Franzen's buildings have been described as "fortresslike" and this home, known as The Dana House, could certainly fit that bill. Take a look inside the brick building, which covers 5685 square feet (528 square meters), and get a first hand perspective of this respected architect's contributions.

One of Franzen’s first jobs after graduating from architecture school was working with I.M. Pei. While he was certainly inspired by Pei’s mastery of modern architecture, he soon left to begin his own firm where he explored the Brutalist style.

The Dana House was built in 1963, just 8 years after Franzen began his firm. Until the impressive brick space, which sits on more than 9 private acres, went on the market in 2013 had only one owner.

Brick, wood rafters and floors, along with white walls and paneling makes this house a bit of time machine, in fact.

The house has five bedrooms, with one study that could easily be converted in another bedroom, as well as four and a half baths. The interior is decidedly mid-century as well, starting with a sunken living room and almost psychedelic hardwood floor tiling.

Long after this particular home was built, Franzen went on to create the designs for many iconic, non-residential buildings including Philip Morris Headquarters in New York City and the Harlem School of the Arts. Ulrich died in 2012.