Projects by Name

Breuer's office began working on the comprehensive plan for Saint John's Abbey and University Complex in May of 1953. The Monastery Wing was the first structure to be built, with construction complete in the fall of 1955. Breuer designed a long, three-story rectangular building, which contained cells for the monks, combined bedroom-study areas for retired and ill priests, recreation rooms, visitors' quarters and a private chapel for the abbot. The building was planned around a 12 feet unit which was expressed in the modular, concrete frame of the building, either in the single units of the first two floors or the double units of the top floor. The brick infill and windows of the façade were recessed behind the concrete frame, adding visual interest to the long facades. Breuer also placed balconies and sun shades on the southern façade to take advantage of views of the nearby lake.