As part of our design process we are continuously searching out other projects that inspire us. We use precedents to see how architects that we admire address similar challenges of designing custom homes. We look for creative uses of materials and try to understand how things were detailed. We look for layouts and forms that could be relevant to projects we are working on. Precedent studies are also helpful to share with our clients to learn what they like and challenge preconceived ideas for what a home can be. Below are four homes designed by some of our favorite residential architects that inspire us. These are projects that we find are incredibly beautiful and reflect some of our design values.
Bates Masi Architects - Underhill House
There are three big reasons why I love this house: natural materials, strong connection to the outdoors, and the courtyards. The architects did an incredible job at blurring the lines between interior and exterior space, with sliding doors that open the corners of the rooms, making the structure dissolve into the surroundings. The courtyards that puncture through the house bring light and nature deep into the flow of the living spaces. Despite using a traditional material, cedar shingles, they created an undeniably contemporary design. The warping forms of the roofs, large window and door openings, and corner openings reinforce that this is a contemporary home while the shingles harken back to the traditions of the area. This is a superb design that reflects a lot of our design values: materiality, connection to nature, and craftsmanship.
Cutler Anderson - Beaux Arts Residence
This house is beautifully integrated into the landscape with the walls of glass making the living spaces feel like they are outdoors. I love the celebration of the exposed structure and the fact that the interior is all natural wood - no drywall to be found. Elevating the roof of the living spaces give it a lofty feel and the clerestory windows bring in natural light from all sides - accentuating the connection to the outdoors and the cycles of the days and season.
Olson Kundig - Delta Shelter
A project I’ve admired for years, the Delta Shelter is a perfect example of how great design can come in a small package. Bigger doesn’t mean better and this shows that quality transcends quantity. The setting is incredibly beautiful and the architecture compliments the surroundings. And of course, this project has the Olson Kundig trademark of mechanical gears that transform the structure into something dynamic. In this case, wheels, gears, and chains allows the entire home to be opened up or closed down to protect the expansive windows that connect the interior with views to the surrounding forested mountains. I also love the simple material palette of steel structure and wooden infill panels - again, no drywall is used allowing the interior to have the warmth and texture of natural wood permeate the space.
Glenn Murcutt - Fredericks / White House
I was lucky enough to participate in the Glenn Murcutt International Masters Class back in 2008. It was an incredible experience studying with Pritzker Prize winner Glenn Murcutt along with a handful of other incredible australian architects. It was an intensive two-week design studio and during my time there we were also able to visit a few completed houses designed by the teachers. This one, the Fredericks/White House, was particularly inspiring in the way Mr. Murcutt was able to take standard industrial materials to wrap a house that exudes suck warmth on the interiors. The simple form allows for the details of the interior to be the driving force behind the design. The architecture is further informed by its response to the local climate, with sun shades, indoor-outdoor rooms, and water collection all becoming an integral part of the design expression. The photos below are a few that I took on my trip. They aren’t great and don’t fully capture the beauty of this project.
The common theme in these projects and in our own work is the importance the landscape has in the quality of these homes. Blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors, integrating the homes into the surroundings, and taking advantage of borrowed views are all vital to creating beautiful residential projects. We hope that these projects inspire you as much as they have us. And if these projects resonate with you, please reach out as we would love to work with you to craft beautiful spaces that are warm, inviting, inspiring, and respond to the natural world around us.