Designed in the Vertical

The site is a steep slope corner lot in a prestigious neighborhood. Existing conditions include neighbors to the west and north, a busy arterial below, and a residential street to the east. Though the existing residence is to be demolished, existing site conditions establish the vertical datum to which the new design responds.

The program required accommodating a family of six while serving as a platform for entertaining and displaying a growing collection of contemporary art. The concept of served and service spaces is the organizational tool used in plan and section to meet these requirements. The house is organized vertically by activity - children's on the ground floor, public on the main floor, and private family functions above.

Service functions, defined by a Corten clad volume, are located on the northern side. This two story enclosure accommodates the every-day needs of the family. Served functions are developed in a "loft" like space on the main level. It is defined by extensive glazing on three sides, and structurally by a series of steel moment frames. This public space affords maximum flexibility for entertaining and display. Family functions on the upper floor are defined by an Alaskan Yellow Cedar skin. Developed as a rain screen, the siding wraps all six sides of this floating volume.

Fundamental to the concept of the house is a linear, light filled gallery. This space separates the served from service functions on all floors, both in plan and section. A cantilevered office serves as a sculptural counterpoint to an otherwise rational plan.