The original house was built in 1966 as a small weekend retreat. Due to recent increased use the owner gave us the task of both renovation and expansion. The client desired layers of privacy in the house for a variety of activities including workout, reading, and gardening. Aesthetically, the program called for a sensitive response to a unique existing structural mass, yet incorporate the new into a unified whole with the existing. The three new spaces are a greenhouse, great room, and guesthouse.
The new additions counterbalance the existing structure, which ties to the ground to the south. Our solution extends north and burrows into the ground with stonewalls and ledges. The building forms mimic the existing mass and differ in there structural response. In response to the tent post structure of the original design, we chose solutions that help define each space as distinctly separate spaces. We used ring beams to support the pyramidal roof structure in the great room. The guesthouse uses steel tension ties. The new massings are similar to the existing in the large volume of interior space created.
Both new volumes are positioned to take advantage of views toward the stream and reflecting pools while conveniently allowing the sun to fill the rooms throughout the day. With the additions tucked gently into the landscape, the stream and reflecting pools have become the dominant feature from each major space on the compound. Nestled neatly into the hillside to the north and northwest, the additions create exterior spaces that are both open to views of nature yet protected. The planning strategy takes advantage of the south sun and blocks the north winds.
