Preservation Award Winner: 118 Roseville Road

Among the nine winners of the Westport Historic District Commission 2012 Preservation Awards to be presented in a Town Hall ceremony at 7 p.m. on Monday is the house at 118 Roseville Road. The HDC said the award is being given in recognition of its “reconstruction.” According to the HDC, this leading edge house was designed in 1934 in the emerging “International Style,” a stark white cubistic composition. It is believed to have been designed by Francis Barry Byrne who practiced architecture in Chicago and New York and had been a disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright early in his career.  It was the Westport home of the famous and eccentric pianist, composer, comedian and actor Oscar Levant.  The house had a series of owners over the ensuing years but by 2010 had been empty for three years, was apparently badly deteriorated, and was probably a likely candidate for demolition. At that time it was discovered by the Mcdonalds who were searching for a site for a radically different home for their family. They determined that this derelict had many of the fundamental features they needed for their project. They undertook an extensive reconstruction incorporating concepts of the International Passivhaus Institute for extremely well insulated and energy efficient homes. “Their effort continues the spirit of technical innovation embodied by the original design,” the HDC said. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com