Architect's 'Unbuildable' Home Lists for $3.25 Million

The personal residence of the late award-winning architect Ken Neumann, FAIA, located in Franklin, Michigan, has been listed for sale for the first time since its construction in 1987. The property is asking $3.25 million and features five bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms within its 7,348-square-foot structure. Situated in Franklin, a Detroit suburb known for its preserved 19th-century homes and nicknamed "The Town That Time Forgot," Neumann's strikingly modern design stands in stark contrast to its surroundings. For nearly four decades, the glass-walled home has been a point of intrigue for locals, who have admired it from afar, but its current listing offers the public their first opportunity to view the interior.

While Ken Neumann was primarily known for his commercial projects, his residential work, including this home, showcased his architectural vision. The residence is deeply influenced by Bauhaus design principles, integrating clean lines and modern materials to create a harmonious blend of his commercial and residential work. The home has garnered significant attention over the years, appearing in numerous publications such as Elle Decor and featured in books like "Architects House Themselves" and "Dream Homes Michigan." Beverly Neumann, Ken's wife and a prolific artist, contributed many of the displayed artworks within the home; she continues to paint daily from her senior community residence.

Ken and Beverly Neumann acquired the lot from another architect who had deemed it "unbuildable" due to its sloping landscape and dense tree cover. Neumann's design ingeniously integrated the house into the existing terrain, meticulously preserving the surrounding trees. Originally built in white, Ken Neumann later opted to change the exterior to natural red brick, a material he grew to favor. The property offers expansive outdoor views, overlooking an artesian pond with 30-foot vistas. Notably, the home features no window treatments, relying on its design and natural surroundings for privacy and ambiance. The architectural approach taken by Neumann for this residence exemplifies a thoughtful response to challenging topography, creating a unique and enduring structure that has captivated observers for decades.