Imre and Maria Horner House

The Imre and Maria Horner House is a modern residence built in the International Style with walls of glass and natural wood materials. It sits on Merrivale Avenue as a low, rectangular structure with two floors, a detached garage area, and covered passageways linking different sections together.

Swiss architect Otto Kolb designed this house in the postwar period when modern building ideas were spreading from Europe to America. The project emerged during a time when architects actively explored how new materials and open spaces could transform residential living.

The home represents postwar architects' effort to rethink residential design by breaking free from traditional separation of spaces. Large windows and simple forms made people think differently about how they lived and related to their surroundings.

The house is set in a quiet residential area and is best viewed from the street to appreciate its design from different angles. Keep in mind that this is a private home, so visiting access is restricted and you should confirm any viewing opportunities beforehand.

The entire south wall consists of custom-made plate glass from Pittsburgh, a technical achievement that opened the living spaces directly to the landscape. Inside, the floors are covered with cork tiles, a material that was uncommon for residential homes during that era.