When man's aspiration is the sky, the ground is only a resistance. - Sverre Fehn In this renovation, a conventional masonry row house is opened up to the sky, with a light, airy interior. The original floor plan was completely transformed for more efficient function and a greater sense of spatial connection, both vertically and horizontally. From a grounded lower level, with concrete, cork, and warm finishes, an abstract composition of crisp forms emerges. The kitchen sits at the center of the house as a hearth, establishing the line between dark and light, illustrated through wenge base cabinets with light anigre above. Service spaces such as bathrooms and closets are hidden within the thickness of walls, contributing to the overall simplicity of the design. A new central staircase serves as the backbone of the composition, bordered by a cable wall tensioned top and bottom, connecting the solid base of the house with the light steel structure above. A glass roof hovers overhead, as gravity recedes and walls seem to rise up and float. The overall effect is clean and minimal, transforming vertically from dark to light, warm to cool, grounded to weightless, and culminating in a space composed of line and plane, shadows and light.

Photos Chris Snook

Photos Courtesy of Sharon Risedorph

The Curved House is a modern residence with distinctive lines. Conceived in plan as a U-shaped form, this residence features a courtyard that allows for a private retreat to an outdoor pool and a custom fire pit. The master wing flanks one side of this central space while the living spaces, a pool cabana, and a view to an adjacent creek form the remainder of the perimeter. A signature masonry wall gently curves in two places signifying both the primary entrance and the western wall of the pool cabana. An eclectic and vibrant material palette of brick, Spanish roof tile, Ipe, Western Red Cedar, and various interior finish tiles add to the dramatic expanse of the residence. The client’s interest in suitability is manifested in numerous locations, which include a photovoltaic array on the cabana roof, a geothermal system, radiant floor heating, and a design which provides natural daylighting and views in every room. Photo Credit: Mike Sinclair

Grounded - Modern Landscape Architecture

5,400 Heated Square Foot home in St. Simons Island, GA

The entire composition is tied together by a rich and elegant material palette that includes steel-troweled stucco, exposed concrete block, stainless steel railings, walnut millwork, cast glass partitions and Rheinzink. (Photo: Matthew Millman)

Fotos: www.annikafeuss.com (copyright)

Enda Cavanagh

Matthew Millman