John Thompson and Jim Camp, both architects, have completed an extensive restoration of the Wave House, a distinctive midcentury modern home designed by Jules Gregory in 1960 and located in Lambertville, New Jersey. After purchasing the property for $630,000 in December 2015, the couple invested nearly $1.25 million in renovations, which included refurbishing the main residence as well as a secondary building on the 10-acre site. The restored Wave House is now listed for $2.6 million.
The home is notable for its signature curved roof, which mimics the form of a wave and exemplifies midcentury modern principles of blending indoor spaces with the natural environment. The interior is characterized by an open floor plan, with ceiling heights around seven feet above four bedrooms and two bathrooms, creating a sense of spaciousness despite the room divisions.
Gregory’s design incorporates an unusual three-level layout: the foyer, kitchen, and bedrooms are situated above the main living and dining areas, with a lower-level seating space at the base. While visually striking, the home’s flat roof elements presented challenges typical of the era, leading to water leakage issues in the carport and studio.
As part of the restoration, Thompson and Camp rebuilt the carport and converted the studio, which is connected to the main house by a wooden bridge over a seasonal stream, into a two-bedroom, two-bath cottage with pitched roofs replacing the original flat design. Inside the main residence, the duo embraced a midcentury aesthetic featuring primary colors and black-and-white countertops, replacing the previously all-white interior. The exterior grounds received updates as well, including new gardens and refurbished motor courts to accommodate multiple vehicles.
The listing agents at Sotheby’s International Realty, Grant Wagner and David Schure, emphasized the property’s artistic and architectural significance. Schure noted that owning the Wave House offers a unique alternative to purchasing fine art, describing the home as a “piece of art” ready for future residents to enjoy over generations.