The existing Brahler Residence site possesses a dramatic downward slope from the street toward a brook that bisects the lot. A densely wooded perimeter provides privacy from the compact suburban neighborhood. The existing century old shake clad structure is a quaint cottage style that the client wished to maintain but enhance with open interior spaces filled with natural light. A new master suite, gallery, and indoor/outdoor entertaining spaces supplement the existing program.

The architecture merges landscape and building surfaces that articulate the envelope for the addition while configuring the site into differentiated formal and informal spaces. The addition is organized to create courtyard spaces at multiple levels. A gallery and circulation spine seamlessly tethers spaces with an undulating roof plane that mediates between gabled and diagonally hipped roof geometries creating a dynamic vaulted interior space. Exterior roof and facade cladding, comprised of wood shake, standing seammetal, and vegetated surfaces, fold together, collapsing the distinction between new and existing, landscape, facade, and roof surfaces. From the street, a windowless living façade camouflages the addition's massing, increasing privacy for the spaces beyond. Inside, one encounters an environment characterized by layered views that create subtle connections to the exterior.