This residence for a couple with a growing family was born out of the need to get the most possible living area out of very limited space and budget. Situated on a 4400 SF corner lot in a transitional city neighborhood, the underlying concept behind the design was to capture the feel and spirit of an unassuming, urban farmhouse through the usage of simple forms, details, and color.

The house and detached garage are designed to be viewed as one continuous whole.  Comprised of two individual masses, a two-story volume capped with a steep pitched roof, and a lower single-story volume and garage topped by a flat roof, the overall intent was to give the appearance of additive forms over time - a modern extension of a more traditional structure.   Articulation of this play on massing is punctuated by the use of alternating color – white for the two-story volume and dark gray for the lower single-story volume and garage. 

The concept of living in less space is integrated to the fullest throughout the 1970 SF interior, while still maintaining the boundaries of private and public separation.  On the Ground Floor, with the exception of a more separated guest room and bath, the layout is one continuous interconnected space comprised of living, dining, kitchen, and home office areas.  The kitchen itself is a further play on this notion.  An island enclosure and the perimeter are lined with shelves with contents on display which acts to visually expand the room and de-emphasize its compact size.  The more privately oriented Upper Floor is designed to maximize efficiency.  Bedrooms are sized to be only as large as needed, and the children’s rooms are designed to be combined and function as one as needed.

The living space is further expanded to make the most of the site by two separate terraces, each having its own unique sense of privacy while engaging the neighborhood.  A traditionally back yard setting – the patio and communal table – is moved to the forefront adjacent the street.  Raised above the road and sidewalk, it instills a sense of enclosure within while allowing engagement with those passing by.  The other terrace is more intimate, with concrete walls sunken below the grade.  Interconnected with the interior, the overall feel is expansive for its relative size. 

Project credits

SkB Architects (architecture, interior design)