In our first design inspiration post we discussed how we are inspired by the creative work of others and use precedent studies to influence our own design practice. We are returning to this theme to share four new projects and firms that we admire and have impacted our approach to residential design. These reinforce our love for homes that are woven into the landscape. We also included a couple of smaller scale projects that are more modest than the sprawling luxury homes in our first post. Great design is needed at all scales and all budgets.
Lake Flato - Aegean Pool House
This project is a small guest house and pool house but reflects many of our design values. The celebration of structure is prevalent as the architects highlighted the columns and beams that support the roof. The stone chimney and concrete walls ground the project, while natural wood finishes make the interior spaces feel warm and inviting. Each room opens to the outdoors allowing life to flow from the interior out into the landscape. Large roof overhangs create outdoor rooms that encourage life and activity to take place outside. Meanwhile the simple modern form and shed roof let the materials and details be the center of attention. This is a superb little project.
Rick Joy - Tucson Mountain House
Rammed earth is one of our favorite materials and we can’t wait until we have a client that lets us explore designing with it. The thickness of the massive walls exude a feeling of being grounded and protected. The texture and color of the earth give the walls intimate scale and celebrate the unique qualities of ground from which they are made. Juxtaposing this heavy weighted material, large window walls and openings allow the interiors to remain open to the landscape and be illuminated by natural light. Once again, the materials take center stage while the form is relatively simple and subdued. The main move is the butterfly roof which gives the home a dynamic feel while responding to the mountain peaks and valleys surrounding the site.
Nature Humaine - Poisson Blanc
This humble cabin fits perfectly into the snowy landscape of Quebec. Unlike the past two projects, the materials recede into the background while the large windows allow the exterior to the be focal point. With such a modest footprint, the design is pared down to the basic necessities with bedrooms tucked below the vaulted living spaces above. This organization of spaces responds to the sloped site and gives the primary living spaces better views out into the forest. Inside, the single wood casework wall defines the space and creates a warm counterpoint to the white interior. I would love to spend a weekend here with friends and a great book or two.
MW Works - Whidbey Farm
One of my favorite houses, I love how this home meanders through the forest, with the architecture seemingly placed to avoid the majestic trees. Again, the natural materials on the interior and exterior compliment the surroundings with the simple material palette of stone walls, natural wood, and black accents. This home does a great job at making the exterior become part of the interior life, with window walls, and corner glass that open each room to the outdoors. The kitchen and bedroom in particular are beautiful spaces that show the power of borrowed vies. The large overhangs further encourage outdoor living and connecting the home to the landscape.
Once again we are drawn to homes that are interwoven with the surrounding landscape. Indoor spaces that flow outdoors and blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors reflect how we want to live. Being connected to nature makes life more enjoyable as we can experience the changing of seasons or even the shifts of weather throughout a day. Each of these projects reflect these values and do an excellent job of creating clean modern homes that feel rooted in the specifics of place.
If these projects inspire you and reflect your values, please reach out to us. We would love to collaborate on crafting a design for your custom home that reflects your lifestyle and is seamlessly integrated into the specifics of the land. Homes that compliment nature and inspire a more connected life.