Artists Helen and Brice Marden Transform Historic Hudson River Ferry Terminal
The late painter and his wife reimagined a 19th-century ship terminal into a luminous home.
1Artistic Legacy in Architecture
Over fifty years, artists Helen Marden and the late Brice Marden curated a global collection of unique properties. Their homes, ranging from Hydra to Pennsylvania, served as both studios and family sanctuaries. This latest project, documented in a Gagosian book, highlights their lifelong commitment to blending fine art with historic residential spaces.
2History of Swan House
Built in 1877, the structure originally functioned as a ship terminal and ferry landing for the Hudson River. Known as Long Dock, it facilitated the transport of goods and passengers until 1938. After being decommissioned, it became a private peninsula, eventually catching the eye of the Marden family for its enduring character.
3Decade of Careful Renovation
The Mardens purchased the property in 2011 but waited ten years before beginning a full-scale renovation. They engaged the AD100 firm Sachs Lindores Architecture to reimagine the derelict building. The goal was to transform the raw, industrial space into a light-filled residence while respecting the building's original 19th-century architectural envelope and footprint.
4Design and Material Choices
The exterior features reflective lead-coated copper siding and a zinc roof, designed to capture light dancing off the water. Inside, the designers utilized luminous plaster, marble, and custom zellige tiles imported from Fez. These materials create a vibrant, textured environment that contrasts with the building's industrial past as a ferry terminal.
5Interior Layout and Flow
The renovation involved demolishing interior walls to maximize views of the Hudson River. A central chimney, revealed in its full height, was clad in glossy black brick to serve as a focal point. New window configurations and open circulation paths ensure the home feels connected to the surrounding water on all sides.
6Eclectic Furnishing Philosophy
The home features a polyglot mix of furniture, including pieces by Gaetano Pesce, Marcel Wanders, and the Campana Brothers. Helen Marden combined these bold contemporary designs with humble American folk art and 20th-century classics. This signature approach creates a layered, personal aesthetic that reflects the couple's long history of collecting unique objects.
7Collaborative Creative Process
The collaboration between the Mardens and their architects was described as unusually fertile. Brice and Helen were deeply involved in every detail, from paint colors to trim selections. While Helen initially suggested painting the house red, she ultimately embraced the architects' vision of a glistening, metal-clad box that reflects the river's natural light.
8Enduring Connection to Place
Swan House represents the Mardens' preference for residences with history rather than newly built structures. By sitting in the middle of the river, the home offers a unique relationship with the landscape. It stands as a final testament to the couple's ability to find beauty and enchantment in repurposed, historically significant industrial spaces.