HOUSE ON THE HUDSON

House on the Hudson

Ken Sena on the proper way to repurpose an architectural icon.

Built in 1953 by prominent Bauhaus alumni Marcel Breuer, the House on the Hudson was among a series of projects in which he sought to reform the American household through the tenets of the German school of design. In the decades since completion however, elements of the house, rooted in the limitations of the 1950s, had begun to show their age.

That’s where owner Ken Sena came in. A noted Breuer aficionado, Sena has spent the past 15 years deconstructing, analysing, and rebuilding Breuer houses for modern living. He's studied the designer at a raw material level in a way that few others could claim. Though he doesn’t consider himself a career developer, this marks his third completed Breuer.

“I think ultimately what’s best is restoring them to the point where you could use them today as you would any other house,” he explains. “In theory, our house could still be used as a museum, but if you visit many other historical houses that are run by various trusts or endowments, you’re hard pressed to find examples where the pure conservationist approach is working well.”

A host of smart features that have been integrated into the house. Music, lights, security, all controlled from a smartphone. On top of that, vast amounts of glassware and mechanical work have also been upgraded to modern spec. However, the core of what makes it a Breuer - layout, material, interaction with the landscape - entirely unaltered. That sense of Breuer’s hand has been expertly preserved.

“I would say there’s a study of economy and an appreciation of scale in his work. when it all comes together it begins to feel like sculpture and living among sculpture is a really great feeling. While he does force you to live with what’s essential, what with each room having very distinct purposes, there’s a touch of the lavish too. A walkway might for example be slightly more elaborate than it needs to be, maybe that’s to point you to a view of the landscape or towards an angle of the house which you might not have otherwise appreciated.”

“I think ultimately what’s best is restoring them to the point where you could use them today as you would any other house”

In recent years, Ken Sena’s fascination with specific design motifs extended beyond his mid-century homes to cars. Much like the three Breuer Houses which mark his architectural enthusiasm, three well-considered cars comprise his small Porsche collection.

“I’ve always been admiring of Porsche from afar, though I grew up in a family that only ever bought American. When we finally picked up our Cayenne we were so impressed. Getting into Porsche was something I’d wanted to do for a long time but it was that car that lent me the confidence to learn more about the brand.”

Ken now owns three 911 variants, starting with a 997 Turbo, and to that he’s added a 964. Interestingly however, it’s the considerably older Targa that he drives every day.

“I would say the 964 is my favourite. It’s the flared hips and aggressive body style that makes it the most special, though maybe I drive it less to maintain that feeling. The 997 is the most powerful and sometimes that’s exiting but the Targa is the one I use the most. It’s a low mileage example and I never feel it’s going to let me down. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a degree of care involved, but it’s an opportunity to learn and the friends I’ve made throughout that process have made me feel a welcome member of the community.”

Ultimately, whether it’s the artworks, the home, or the small stable of cars outside, each element of Sena’s collection is brilliantly well-considered. There’s a common mantra in car community which supposes that we’re all custodians of the vehicles we own, though arguably the saying actually more prescient to those lucky enough to take care of iconic architecture. The long lasting enjoyment of collection itself is earned far beyond the point of purchase, and few know this as well as Ken Sena.