Located in the heart of Columbus, Indiana, the Miller House and Garden is a masterpiece of mid-century modern architecture designed by the architect Eero Saarinen for the industrialist and philanthropist J. Irwin Miller and his wife, Xenia Simons Miller, in 1953. This residence was conceived with modernist principles and the beauty of thoughtful architectural design. Completed in 1957, the Miller House is a piece of living history, now owned by Newfields and declared a National Historic Landmark in 2000.
Miller House Technical Information
- Architects1-3: Eero Saarinen and Associates
- Location: Columbus, Indiana, USA
- Topics: American Houses
- Area: 6,838 ft2 | 635 m2
- Project Year: 1957
- Photographs: See Caption Details
The purpose of architecture is to shelter and enhance man’s life on earth and to fulfill his belief in the nobility of his existence.
– Eero Saarinen 5
Miller House Photographs
Inside the Iconic Miller House
Eero Saarinen, a close friend of the Miller family, was tasked with creating a residence that would serve not only as a family home but also as a venue for entertaining luminaries from around the world. The result is a sprawling 6,838-square-foot testament to modernist architecture, one of the few single-family homes Saarinen ever designed. Inspired by the principles of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the Miller House features an open and flowing layout, a flat roof, and walls of stone and glass that integrate seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
Central to the home’s design is a conversation pit, a pioneering feature that epitomizes the era’s architectural innovation. This central space is flanked by four non-public areas dedicated to the family, guests, and service, all branching off in a manner that eschews traditional hierarchical arrangements in favor of functionality and equality. The house’s plan, reminiscent of Andrea Palladio’s Villa Rotonda, organizes rooms around this central space while a grid of skylights and sixteen free-standing cruciform steel columns play with light and shadow to create a dynamic interior atmosphere.
Landscape Integration
The collaboration with landscape architect Dan Kiley further cements the Miller House’s status as a masterpiece. Kiley’s design extends the home’s modernist ethos into the 13.5-acre outdoor space, segmenting the landscape into three distinct sections that reflect the home’s internal divisions. From the allée of horse chestnut trees that introduce the property to the meticulously arranged blocks of apple trees and the strategic placement of vegetation to protect against natural elements, Kiley’s work is a masterclass in landscape architecture that complements Saarinen’s structural designs.
We should always work with the particular characteristics of a project. We should aim at solving the problems in such a way that when we are finished, people actually believe that the solution was inevitable.
– Eero Saarinen 5
A Living Interior
The interior of the Miller House is as remarkable as its exterior. Alexander Girard, the interior designer, infused the space with warmth and color, balancing the home’s geometric precision with vibrant textiles, furniture, and decorative items. A 50-foot storage wall, designed by Girard, showcases the Miller family’s eclectic collection of folk art and personal memorabilia, while custom-designed rugs and fabrics add layers of texture and interest to the space. The conversation pit, suggested by Girard, remains one of the home’s most iconic features, eliminating clutter and emphasizing the architectural lines of the room.
Legacy and Influence
The Miller House and Garden has undergone careful preservation and minor modifications over the years, ensuring that its architectural integrity remains intact. From its role as a private residence to its current status as a public museum, the house continues to inspire architects, designers, and visitors alike. The collaboration between Saarinen, Kiley, and Girard represents a harmonious blend of architecture, landscape, and interior design, making the Miller House a quintessential example of mid-century modernism and a timeless piece of American architectural history.
Miller House Plans
Miller House Image Gallery
About Eero Saarinen
Eero Saarinen (1910-1961) was a Finnish-American architect and industrial designer renowned for his versatile and innovative contributions to both architecture and furniture design in the mid-20th century. Saarinen’s architectural legacy includes iconic structures that defined post-war America’s modernist aesthetic, such as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, the TWA Flight Center at JFK International Airport in New York, and the Ingalls Rink at Yale University. His approach to architecture was characterized by a commitment to exploring new shapes and materials, which is also evident in his furniture designs, including the famous Tulip chair. The son of acclaimed architect Eliel Saarinen, Eero was not only pivotal in shaping the modern American landscape but also in fostering a closer relationship between architectural form and the surrounding environment, leaving a lasting impact on architectural practice and education.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Interior Design: Alexander Girard
- Landscape Architecture: Dan Kiley
- Principal Design Associate: Kevin Roche
- Eero Saarinen: 1910-1961: a Structural ExpressionistbyPierluigi Serraino
- Eero Saarinen byJayne Merkel
Related
1950's ArchitectureAlexander GirardAmerican ArchitectureAmerican HousesDan KileyEero Saarinen and AssociatesHistorical LandmarkHousesKevin Roche John Dinkeloo and AssociatesLandscape ArchitectureMid-Century HousesMid-Century Modern
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