Inspiration for this house was drawn from the strict guidelines of the controlled historic area. Designed to complement its surrounding neighbours without emulating them stylistically, the concepts that emerged from the By-Law limitations established a strong connection between the house and its setting. Conventional elements and references were mixed with new forms, shapes and features, uprooting and rewriting them into a singular voice.
An unconventional element new to the area is the exterior courtyard. Though the profile of the house was developed from a study of common neighbourhood typologies, it's defining feature is the presence of a large opening in the middle of the building; revealed to the street as the roof pitches downward. This idea illustrates how a design strategy that enhances the life of a private individual can also enhance the urban realm. Being located on a corner lot, a private outdoor space enclosed within the footprint of the house meant privacy fencing along the streets was not needed. Both corner yards remained open to the public domain matching and continuing the setback of adjacent front yards.
The exterior shape of the building conceals living space under an oversized sloping roofline. All second level walls are masked within the roof, allowing the two storey building to roughly match the profile of surrounding single storey houses. The collision of re-invented conventional elements: lopsided gables; trapezoidal roof planes; and triangular dormers, give rise to unique interior spaces throughout the house. Walls touch ceilings at unexpected angles animating space through the effects of light and shadow. Long sight lines terminate at dramatic meetings of planes and surfaces.
While this faceted roof is complex in form, it was designed to be built using standard wood frame assembly, adding architectural intrigue without requiring costly methods of construction.
Credits:
- Reigo & Bauer - Partner - Merike Bauer
- Blackwell - Structural Engineer - Michael Hopkins
- Reigo & Bauer - Architectural Technologist - Nuria Macias Fernandez
- Reigo & Bauer - Intern - Fabian Greico
- Reigo & Bauer - Partner - Stephen Bauer
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