Brief: On a waterfront site, design a residence that takes advantage of views of the bay to the north while utilizing the front south exposure to bring light into the building. The building will house a collection of furniture and objects by 20th Century architects and artists.

Solution: In order to experience the views of the water to the north, while allowing light from the south front exposure, the concrete structure is broken open like a cracked egg. An independent structural channel glass wedge acts as an infill object that reaches up above the concrete structure and grabs the south light like a lighthouse lantern. The components of construction are clearly articulated from the concrete post and beam structural system, to the wooden curtain wall that clads the exterior concrete structure, to the plaster that is set feely within the shell, the freestanding millwork and to the independently supported channel glass wedge.

The cedar wood curtain wall is comprised of a system of grids that opens and closes to recall imagery founding the local architecture. Whether a drawbridge, a barn door, or a moveable canopy of the local beach refreshments’ stand, architectural gestures that recall context become abstract compositions.
The seam where the building appears to be opened is in filled with floor to ceiling glass, thus allowing the building to be understood in sections.

The layers of construction are clearly articulated, celebrating how a building is put together. Architecture, context and interior are seamlessly integrated.

Category

Freestanding Residences

Project Code

11111

Photographer

Michael Moran

Architect

Lee F. Mindel, FAIA & Reed A. Morrison, AIA

Category

Freestanding Residences

Project Code

11111

Photographer

Michael Moran