The Glass House: A 20-Year Celebration of Timeless Design

In 2005, WOLF Architects designed a house that was destined to defy the passage of time. Known as “The Glass House,” this remarkable residence was conceived for a supermodel in Norway—a trailblazer, both in her profession and her personal philosophies. Today, twenty years later, we celebrate a design so contemporary and intriguing that it feels as though it could have been crafted yesterday.

(Original concept sketch from 2005)

A Vision of Transparency and Liberation

The Glass House earned its moniker for its extensive use of glass, a material that not only provided uninterrupted views of its picturesque surroundings but also reflected the values of its owner. Situated on a serene lake, the house stands as an architectural masterpiece, connected to the mainland by a narrow boardwalk at the rear. This unique location—a haven floating amidst water—echoes the owner’s desire for openness and freedom.

The client, a celebrated supermodel and lifelong nudist, envisioned her home as a reflection of her personal beliefs: a celebration of the human form, feminism, and unrestrained expression. She nicknamed her residence “The Nudist Home,” not only for her lifestyle but also for the house’s “naked” qualities, where transparency and simplicity took precedence over conventional design norms.

Living Without Boundaries

One of the most striking features of The Glass House is its seamless connection to nature. With large sliding doors that open directly to the surrounding lake, the owner enjoys the freedom to plunge into the water at any time—a ritual of liberation that embodies the essence of the home. This open connection to the elements reinforces the harmony between the built environment and the natural world.

At the heart of the home lies a central courtyard, home to a magnificent tree that serves as a living centerpiece. The tree, visible from every angle within the house, represents resilience and growth, anchoring the design in the natural world. The absence of blinds—a specific request from the owner—posed a unique challenge for the architects. Balancing openness with privacy required ingenuity, resulting in a layout that strategically shields intimate spaces while maintaining the overall transparency of the design.

In reality, the owner enjoys complete privacy thanks to the property’s expansive 100-acre size. The house’s isolated location ensures that no one from the boundaries can see inside. Only those on the property—be it invited guests or wandering animals—have the opportunity to witness the owner’s lifestyle. The lake surrounding the house is small, with calm waters that pose no risk of rough conditions or rising levels. This allowed the house to sit low to the water, creating the striking illusion of floating at certain times of the day.

A Dream Realized on Family Land

The Glass House is steeped in personal history. The property had been in the owner’s family for generations, and the original family home still stands proudly at the edge of the lake. As a child, the owner would often swim to the middle of the lake, where a small island and a single tree became her sanctuary. She would climb the tree and revel in the sense of safety and serenity it provided. Building a home on the island was a lifelong dream, and when the time came, WOLF Architects—with our director being a personal friend of the owner—was the perfect choice to bring this vision to life.

The tree, which had grown significantly over the years, became the focal point of the design and the first priority in the architectural brief. Its preservation was non-negotiable, and the house was carefully crafted around it, ensuring its prominence and vitality.

A Unique Collaboration

The design process itself has become the stuff of architectural lore. Did the owner, known for her bold and unapologetic nature, truly attend some of the design meetings in the nude? Whether fact or myth, this whispered tale reflects the essence of the project and its muse. What is certain is that every aspect of the home radiates her fearless commitment to transparency, freedom, and individuality, leaving an indelible mark on the project and the team involved.

The Challenge of Balancing Nudity and Privacy

Designing The Glass House required WOLF Architects to explore the delicate balance between openness and discretion. While the owner’s lifestyle embraced visibility, not every moment of her life was intended for display. The solution lay in a carefully considered floor plan, where rooms were positioned to offer both sanctuary and exposure. Selective screening, strategic angles, and the natural concealment provided by the lake and surrounding vegetation ensured the home’s livability without compromising its “naked” essence.

A Legacy of Innovation

Two decades later, The Glass House remains a beacon of architectural innovation. Its bold use of glass and its celebration of transparency, nature, and personal values have allowed it to transcend trends and remain as relevant as ever. It stands as a testament to the timelessness of great design and the power of architecture to reflect and amplify the lives of those who inhabit it.

The house’s enduring appeal also lies in its ability to provoke thought and conversation. It challenges societal norms, inviting us to reconsider notions of privacy, openness, and the boundaries between the built environment and the natural world. The owner’s courage to embrace her values and lifestyle through architecture has inspired countless admirers and continues to do so today.

A Celebration of Freedom

As we celebrate 20 years of The Glass House, we honor not just a building but a philosophy. This home—a sanctuary on a Norwegian lake—remains a bold statement of individuality, freedom, and timeless beauty. It serves as a reminder that great architecture is not just about walls and roofs; it is about creating spaces that reflect and enhance the lives of those who dwell within.

The Glass House is more than just a home. It is an enduring symbol of liberation, a fusion of human and natural beauty, and a triumph of architectural ingenuity. Twenty years on, it continues to stand proud, as relevant and inspiring as the day it was completed.