The Fletcher House at Six Moon Hill
Lexington, Massachusetts

In 1947, the young founding partners of The Architects Collaborative (TAC) purchased 20 acres of rural farmland in Lexington, Massachusetts, to establish a new community inspired by their postwar utopian principles.

Originally designed in 1948 by TAC partners Norman and Jean Fletcher, this home exemplifies a mid-20th-century interpretation of the International Style, made famous by their colleague Walter Gropius. The split-level layout features a loft-like space combining living, dining, and kitchen areas with high ceilings and southerly views of the gardens. Generous roof overhangs provide both protection from the elements and an enhanced sense of connection to the surrounding landscape. A centrally located stair links this main living area to a family play space on the lower level and private bedrooms on the upper level.

The Fletchers expanded the house in phases: in 1955, they added two more bedrooms and a studio space connected via a glass bridge; in 1961, they enlarged the kitchen; and in 1973, they introduced a top-floor studio. Over the years, however, the house suffered from system failures and fell into disrepair.

TDG worked with two subsequent owners to restore and enhance this unique structure in phases. The first phase, in 2008, focused on a deep renovation of the original house, while the second, in 2022, introduced a new studio, garage, and screened porch. The primary restoration efforts included replacing the radiant-heated concrete floors, installing insulated glass, removing interim systems and finishes, and insulating the enclosure where possible. A new kitchen and baths were designed in the spirit of the original. Like many homes of this era, the project required a thoughtful balance—respecting the home’s original ethos and character while creatively addressing modern technical and energy challenges.

Archival documents from the MIT Museum were consulted throughout the process.

Modern mid-century style house with flat roofs, large glass windows, wood paneling, and a spacious green lawn.
Mid-century modern house with flat roofs, wood paneling, large windows, and a stone walkway leading to the entrance.
Bright mid-century modern living room with large floor-to-ceiling windows, green armchair, wooden dining table, and patio view.
Modern dining and kitchen area with wooden furniture, white chairs, pendant light fixture, indoor plant, and blue-tiled backsplash.
Bright mid-century modern interior with large glass windows, wooden dining table, green armchair, and patio view.
Cozy mid-century modern living room with a tan leather sofa, gray armchairs, colorful rug, TV, and white brick fireplace.
Bright mid-century modern interior with a yellow lounge chair, glass coffee table, and large windows overlooking a patio and garden.
Bright sunroom with large glass windows, a skylight, wicker armchair with orange pillows, and a view of the patio and garden.
Bright sunroom with large windows, a gray sofa with patterned pillows, wicker chair, red modern chair, and wooden coffee table.
Mid-century modern house with flat roofs, wood paneling, large glass windows, and a spacious green lawn surrounded by trees.
Archive photo of Mid-century modern living room with minimalist furniture, including a black sofa, woven chairs, a white coffee table with fruit, a bookshelf, and a butterfly chair, featuring concrete block walls and large windows.
Archive photo of Mid-century modern living room with large floor-to-ceiling windows, minimalist furniture, woven chairs, a butterfly chair, a low coffee table with fruit, and a bookshelf. A hanging light fixture and indoor plants add to the airy, ope
Archive photo of Mid-century modern house with large rectangular windows and flat roofs, surrounded by trees and natural landscaping, featuring a stone wall in the foreground.
Archive photo of Mid-century modern house with large rectangular windows, flat roof, and vertical wood siding, surrounded by trees and natural landscaping.
Archive photo of Mid-century modern interior with open wooden staircase, thin metal railings, wood-paneled walls, large window, and a view of a lower-level living space with shelves and a butterfly chair near a fireplace.

Builders:
Stillwater Building & Renovation
Kyle Restoration

Cabinet Maker: Kochman, Reidt & Haigh

Photography:
Techler Design
Ezra Stoller (archival photos)

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The Thompson House