2007 - 

Design Architect:  AEDS
Digital Fabrication Consulting and Contract Administration:  CRAFT | Engineering Studio

Design: 
The design of the structure for the J House was phased through construction and incorporated several design innovations based on material and digital fabrication.  During construction, the three dimensional steel moment frame acted as the primary structure for stability.  Two dimensional steel frames were set in place at a regular intervals and connected with doubly curved twisting rectangular edge members.  The geometry of each edge member was derived from its relationship to the adjacent surfaces and the exterior skin.  These members were digitally modeled, exploded, flattened and then rebuilt out of laser cut plates to accomplish the geometry.  In the completed condition, the steel framework is infilled with an innovative assembly of light gage framing and bracing that defines a ruled surface.  The x-bracing occurs along lines of opposing convex curvature in each panel.  The completed structure acts as a 3-dimensional truss bracing the building against hurricane force winds.  The trussed form twists along its length and rests on two points of bearing, allowing a doubly cantilevered condition at each end.  The slit skylight in the roof adds to the complexity and displays the robustness of the completed structure.