Modern Homestead

Project Details

Project Description

A young couple planning a family wanted their new home to be a healthful, engaging environment for young children, family and friends, with a strong connection to the outdoors. The architecture conveys a utilitarian spirit based on the humble aesthetic of barns, with white clapboard, black-framed divided windows, and metal roof.

The residence was oriented sideways on the lot to maximize area for the backyard. Visitors discover the architecture when they reach the house, seeing through the glass front entrance to back terrace, yard and pool. Durable and energy-efficient materials were selected, such as fiber cement siding that will not rot, a coated aluminum roof, and spray-foam insulation. An energy recovery system allows for optimal air changes and the home has all built-in LED lighting.

The residence's space plan is broken into elements that are fully delineated in the architectural massing. High volume spaces make the home seem larger than it is, with an open central space for the living room, dining area and kitchen. An office/pantry is hidden behind the freestanding kitchen wall. Abundant windows and glass doors enhance this sense of volume, allowing natural light to stream in throughout the day. Because there is minimal molding, the interior's architectural emphasis is on its clean, geometric lines. The stainless steel exhaust flue punctuates the precision of the architecture.

For a young family, fluid circulation was key. The split-level design solution means bedrooms are just five feet higher than the living spaces for quick stairway access. The floating kitchen wall creates an additional pathway and a secondary staircase gives convenient access from the upstairs bedrooms to the central living space and backyard. The split-level scheme also enables the basement to be an inviting space with high ceilings and sliding doors to directly access the lawn and pool.