The Sharp House is designed as a minimalist desert retreat for a retired couple for NYC. Located just north of Santa Fe New Mexico on five acres of land. The house was designed with the intention to be as economical as possible. The construction of the house is exposed cast in place, reinforced concrete with large glass exposures to the north and south to allow for solar gain and cross ventilation.
The interior spaces accommodate 2 bedrooms, dining, kitchen, living areas and bath with a square footage of 1500. The design intention was to maintain honesty with the materials and that all geometries of the architecture reflect the program of the house. The neo-brutalist approach to space is reflected as a by-product in the buildings appearance. The house is a declaration against the gloss of mainstream architectural practice which tend to focus on the exterior “decorative” façades and arbitrary forms.
The Sharp house stands in contradiction to this. In addition, the house reflects a sound approach to its ecological impact and carbon footprint. The large expanses of thermal mass allow the building to regulate interior temperature while naturally ventilating itself. It’s a back to basics approach with less becoming more.
Material Used:
1. Cast in place concrete with Steel columns
2. Anderson Windows
