About 5139 Penton Road
A rare opportunity to own a landmark of mid-century modern design, the Abraam Steinberg House (1949–1951) is a masterful example of organic architecture by Peter Berndtson and Cornelia Brierly—both former apprentices of Frank Lloyd Wright who worked with Wright on Fallingwater. Thoughtfully integrated into its dramatic, steeply sloped Pittsburgh setting, this one-of-a-kind residence blends natural materials, innovative geometry, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Constructed of brick, redwood, glass, and concrete, the home is defined by its striking architectural form— two exterior walls align with the street grid while a gracefully curved rear wall embraces a stunning open-air circular garden. This private courtyard, visible from all major living spaces, serves as the home’s true focal point, creating a serene connection between interior and landscape. Inside, three distinct levels are elegantly connected by a flowing ramp system, offering a continuous spatial experience rarely found in residential design. Custom built-in furnishings, crafted from the same rich redwood used in the structure, reinforce the home’s cohesive, organic aesthetic. Every detail reflects the visionary collaboration between Berndtson and Brierly, whose combined expertise in architecture, landscape, and interior design helped shape one of Pittsburgh’s most distinctive postwar modern homes. This is more than a residence—it is a work of art.
