Conceived as a spiraling ribbon, this ultramodern metallic residence by architect Daniel Libeskind seems to transform into entirely different shapes as you walk around it, with two steeply angled extensions casting shadows in a way that’s suggestive of a sundial. The 2,000-square-foot 18.36.54 house derives its name from the 18 planes, 36 points and 54 lines of the continuous mirror-finish bronzed stainless steel surface that defines its living spaces.

Continue reading below
Our Featured Videos
libeskind bronze sundial house

The highly unusual silhouette paired with the mirror finish creates an effect that changes the house’s appearance altogether so that it’s never experienced the same way twice. It looks different from each vantage point, time of day and day of the year, as well as with the weather.

libeskind bronze sundial house unusual shape

Within the volumes created by the shifting and folding ribbon are nestled individual spaces enclosed only with large glass planes that virtually disappear so the house appears nearly transparent and provides occupants with geometrically framed views of the meadows and distant foothills.

libeskind bronze sundial house wood interior
libeskind bronze sundial house modern organic

The sharply angled visuals of the exterior are continued inside with walls, cabinetry and built-in furniture handcrafted from locally harvested oak planks that help distinguish the kitchen, living, dining and sleeping areas without cutting them off from each other. 

libeskind bronze sundial house angular bookshelves

“Studio Libeskind was approached by a client that wanted a mixture of the avant-garde and the cozy. The Studio responded with a tour-de-force clad in mirror-finish, bronzed stainless steel.  The cladding was specified to accentuate luster and exaggerate the changes of light and season. The interior is solid stained white oak.”

libeskind bronze sundial house ultramodern

“Within the scrolling of the ribbon, enclosure is achieved via large glass planes that at junctures virtually disappear.  There are porches on every side and from the interior, unimpeded picturesque views of hay meadows and distant foothills. The interior finishes, cabinetry, and built-in furniture are custom handcrafted from locally harvested oak planks.  These elements, along with subtle elevation changes in the concrete floor distinguish the kitchen, living, dining, and sleeping areas without separating them.  Circulation throughout the home is seamless and free-flowing, a theme which carries through in the nearly-nonexistent distinction between inside and outside.”