LIGHT HOUSE

This home was designed for a young couple and their growing family. The objective was to create a light-filled home with integrated outdoor space and the openness of the loft where they had been living. Program requirements included kitchen with island seating, reading loft, private master suite with balcony, three bedrooms, spa-like bathrooms, flexible space for a playroom or office, and terrace with plunge pool and pergola.

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Our design is organized around a courtyard defined by glass walls in the kitchen and great room. A rear terrace is accessed through over-sized glass doors. The effect is a seamless transition from interior to exterior spaces. The great room is anchored by a linear fireplace with a cantilevered concrete hearth that extends out to the terrace, visually unifying the interior and exterior spaces. The underside of the hearth is notched with a linear LED light, further emphasizing the connection between the spaces.

 

The kitchen opens to a courtyard landscaped with Whitespire birch, bamboo, Hakone grass, and cascading concrete platforms with a water feature. Located between the entry and garage, the courtyard is integrated into the facade by a wood louver screen that offers privacy while allowing natural light into the house.

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The home is located on a corner, making privacy a challenge. The entry to the home is a double-height glass space oriented perpendicular to the street to maximize light while preserving privacy. The second level is accessed by a sculptural staircase with a center steel support, floating hardwood treads and a handrail composed of a stainless steel cable screen.

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Sustainable elements include durable and recycled materials, high-efficiency mechanicals, a tight thermal envelope, and drought-tolerant plantings.