Manitoga: Dragon Rock Studio
All Work | Manitoga: Dragon Rock Studio, Garrison, New York
Manitoga: Dragon Rock Studio
Garrison, New York
Scope
Constructed between 1959 and 1961, Dragon Rock, the home and studio of famed industrial designer Russel Wright in Garrison, New York, is an excellent example of Modernist architecture. The home and studio were designed by Leavitt, Henshell and Kawai working with Wright, and was integrated into a former quarry site that Wright named “Manitoga”. The Studio was Wright’s primary residence until his passing in 1976, and then served as the center of operations for the Manitoga Foundation until 2001. The site was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006.
After years of use, removal of significant historic fabric, and damage resulting from the failure of the original roof, the Studio had deteriorated significantly. Following their restoration of the exterior envelope and introduction of a new “green” roof system, JHPArchitects PC was also engaged to prepare restoration documents for the restoration of the Studio interior. JHPA, Inc. worked closely with the Manitoga Foundation to document the original structure. In order to determine the correct period appearance, JHPA carefully reviewed historic photos and written documentation, including personal photos and diaries kept by Wright, as well as interviews with friends/family that had first-hand recollections. All finishes and furnishings were restored to their original conditions, or fabricated to match, as needed. Along with exterior work completed as a separate endeavor, the studio was completely restored to its original 1962 appearance.