The Building That Inspired Me: Miruna Stroe

LA Associate, Miruna Stroe

In our latest Journal series, a member of the LA London team discusses a significant building or structure that has inspired and shaped their career in architecture. This month, Associate Miruna Stroe tells us about the T-House by Simon Ungers and Thomas Kinslow in Wilton, New York.

Can you tell us about the building you have chosen?

I’ve chosen the T-House, located in Wilton, New York, designed by Simon Ungers and Thomas Kinslow in the early 1990s. This striking residence is known for its raw, minimalist design and unconventional form – a stark steel T-shaped structure set against a wooded landscape. Ungers, a German architect, artist and son of Oswald Mathias Ungers, was renowned for his highly conceptual work, often focusing on themes of geometry, monumentality, and isolation. The T House stands as a bold statement of those themes, showcasing a functional yet almost sculptural approach that integrates architecture and landscape in a deeply introspective way.

T-House by Simon Ungers and Thomas Kinslow. Image via Angel Nodar on Instagram.

Why do you consider it inspiring?

The T-House is what I would call “aesthetic marmite”—some find it unattractive, even harsh, at first glance. But to me, it’s beautiful in its context, where its minimalism contrasts with the natural setting. It holds a wealth of thoughtful, often subtle design choices that aren’t immediately obvious but reward deeper exploration. This building taught me that good architecture doesn’t always have to win people over immediately; sometimes it invites them to spend time with it, to understand its layers and intentions. This approach to design has been incredibly inspiring to me as an architect, encouraging me to look beyond surface aesthetics to create spaces with depth and purpose.

“This concept opened my eyes to the idea that creative expression could be integral to functionality, not in conflict with it.”

How did it influence your choice of career or your career path?

I first encountered the T-House during my second year of university, a time when I was grappling with the idea of functionality in residential design. I’ve been educated in a university that prides itself in being centred on function. I had been frustrated, feeling that a focus on making spaces functional left little room for creativity. The T-House changed my perspective entirely. Ungers approached functionality creatively, using the library as the primary, guiding space while relegating traditional housing areas to a secondary role. This concept opened my eyes to the idea that creative expression could be integral to functionality, not in conflict with it. This realisation reinforced my desire to pursue architecture as a career where form and function could be balanced in unique, thoughtful ways.

How has it affected your approach to projects in your current role?

In my current role at LA London, the T-House's influence is evident in my commitment to clarity in form and material honesty. I aim to create spaces that are both functional and conceptually rich, focusing on clean lines and simple materials. 

Working mainly on listed buildings in London, the aesthetic approach of our projects is usually very different than the minimalism of T House. But the principles are still there and I fall back on them often. The minimalist ethos of Ungers’ work has guided me toward an approach where every element has a reason, encouraging a restrained use of materials and a deep consideration of spatial experience.

“I now understand the ‘hidden brilliance’ it contains, the small design decisions that showcase Ungers’ thoughtful process. ”

Now that you are an architect yourself, how has your perception of this building changed?

My view of the T-House has evolved, but its allure has only grown. Early on, I admired it from a conceptual standpoint, but as I gained experience, I came to see the discipline and precision behind its simplicity. Its aesthetic is still polarising for many, yet I’ve come to appreciate this boldness as part of its charm. I now understand the “hidden brilliance” it contains, the small design decisions that showcase Ungers’ thoughtful process. I think it’s a building that challenges the viewer to look beyond first impressions, and that patience in design is something I now value deeply in my own work.