Curiously hovering red boxes are sure to do a couple of things, slow down traffic and tickle the sensibilities of a traditional neighborhood. Charlotte, NC based design + build firm, Dialect Design, has created an unapologetically sophisticated wing for the Schönberg residence.
A modern climbing library flanked by three exceptionally appointed bedrooms, a lustrous acrylic countered bathroom, and bearing Dialect’s unconventional approach to materials and construction, was designed for the Schönbergs’ 4, 7, and 11 year-old daughters.
The library’s summit is expertly nestled in the treetops and the space is fashioned of bookcases acting as cushioned benches, tall steps, and undulated ceilings. Its construction of recessed “boxes within boxes” reveals shadow lines that seemingly float the shelves inside the library walls.
The whimsy of red boxes slicing through the addition, perforated aluminum sunshades, and a flat roof and visually seamless aluminum downspout/scupper harmonizes beautifully with the rest of the house.
What makes the Schönberg Project special?
An unapologetically sophisticated modern wing and climbing library completely designed to be inhabited by three girls, ages 4 to 11 - and when they allow it their parents
A beautifully appointed 2,030 sq.ft. addition, accomplished for less than $105/sq.ft.
A modern structure in uncharacteristic harmony with traditional home and surroundings
A climbing library with bookcases that act as cushioned benches, tall steps and undulated ceilings
Nestled in the tree tops, a library summit that beckons reading, sleeping, and dreaming
Cantilevered inhabitable red boxes as petite observatories
A punctuated cube structure facilitating generous light interplay day and night
A translucent acrylic counter layered to integrate drawers and vessel sinks
A visually seamless gutter/downspout assembly and scupper spanning the width of the building
A perforated aluminum sunshade
An industrial steel panel repurposed as an interior screen
An asymmetrical, black anodized steel front door - 7.5’wide; flush; frameless glass detailing
Glassy red veined concrete flooring
A work philosophy that generates a deep collaboration with clients, subcontractors, and designers
A solar passive, reflective, white membrane completing a flat roof without any penetration points
Thermally broken aluminum windows
Renewable-resource espresso bamboo flooring
Solar thermal panels
An unconventional approach to materials and construction