Designed for an art collector and grandmother of many, the residence is a container for family gatherings and living amidst artwork.
The house is designed to provide privacy and protection from the busy suburban street while extending open living spaces to a protected private landscape.
The nine-square plan of twenty-four foot bays is subdivided into eight foot modules. A central, open living space is insulated by cellular private rooms in the perimeter bays. In these interior spaces, light and views are provided by specifically located and controlled apertures in heightened contrast to the open garden side of the home.
From the street, situated within the landscape of existing, grand, mature trees, the house reads as a quiet, opaque volume, low-slung and clad in horizontally oriented cement panels; a large pivoting door opens to reveal a hidden exterior courtyard and the home’s sheltered entry.
From the compressed foyer, one turns and finds long views to the deep landscape beyond. Moving further into the house, the view to the garden expands and the interior extends outward.
The heart of the home is revealed, an open living space of light, art, family, garden; anchored by a central service core.
Modest in stature and budget, the material palette of the container is reflective of this modesty; grey cement composition panels, white painted gypsum board, white solid surface material, clear anodized aluminum and a white epoxy terrazzo floor.
The materials along with well-executed minimal detailing deliberately become the background to the art, grandchildren and landscape that truly empower this place.
Additional Images
General Contractor: Goldberg General Contracting, Inc.
Interior Design: Sherry Koppel Design
Photography: Steve Hall / Hedrich Blessing