Competition project

Located on a tree-lined cobblestone street, steps from the water, Fairway, Sunny’s, Botanica, the Waterfront Barge, Liberty Sunset Garden Center, and lovely public parks, gardens, and piers, these homes are located on one of the most desirable blocks in “the Back” of historic Red Hook.

The designs should embrace traditional cottage style, but as with the original houses, each should retain its own character. The objective of the competition is to keep the spirit of the cottages intact while adding light, higher ceilings, and modern mechanicals.

conceptual description:

duck fat studio 58 w. superior st. oak park, il. 60302 ph: 440. 897. 4916
Red Hook has a rich history which dates back to 1636 when it was colonized by the dutch. This history is evident in Red Hook’s architectural fabric which contains structures dating back as early as the 19th century. In the early 19th century, the architectural aesthetic was derived from the technology and resources of its time which was mainly wood and brick structures, with an emphasis on horizontal lines.

But just as signs of the past are abundant in Red Hook, so are
the signs of progression and modernity. In the town’s ports large vertically-clad metal cargo containers are loaded and unloaded. The cargo container (as geometrically bland as it is) is a calling card of modernity signifying global economy and world wide technology. While Red Hook adapts to the influences and pressures of the contemporary world, it will also struggle to hold onto its rich history and traditions.

The Tetro House is an attempt to realize that struggle to hold on to
history and tradition while embracing the influence and pressure
of the contemporary world. The Tetro house utilizes Tetrominian Geometry to interlock the two styles (early century and contemporary) into a unified singular facade with juxtaposing materials and orientations.

In the interior of the house the emphasise was placed on lightness and open public spaces. Inspired by the ephemeral affects of rice paper lamps, the Interior achieves a mood that changes with the rotation of the sun. This is best seen on the second floor where a louvered screen and nana wall can be retrofitted to the activities of the day. The nana wall can be opened to create a public space or an inhabitant could just utilize the patio with the nana wall closed for a more private setting. Each of the three sections of the louvered screen also adjusts for the users convenience.