The challenge was to design an open house on a narrow lot with existing homes close on each side, the rear, and where there were no desirable views other than sky and distant high vegetation.
The design solution intertwines interior space and defined outdoor areas to maximize opportunities for openness to the exterior in ways that also protect privacy. The habitable spaces are aligned along one side of the narrow lot to allow for an on-site outdoor area as the main view from interior areas. Walls of glass and clerestories are used to maximize the views and the feeling of openness. In moving from space to space, or at rest, one always feels connected to the exterior in this house.
The house is in an old neighborhood within a flood zone. The surrounding houses are modest, one story, slab on grade houses, built before flood regulations. This house was required to be 5’ above existing grade to comply with flood regulations. To respect the scale of the neighborhood the garage and entry element are at ground level on the street façade like surrounding houses. Travel up to the elevated floor level is through the terraced entry garden. The glass studio volume brings presence to the street and provides balance between solidity and openness. The existing gold tree was incorporated into the design as a veil for the studio.
