Connection
Connection, by definition, refers to “a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else”.
This home emphasizes the connection between spaces, individuals, the sun path, and the interaction between interior and exterior environments, as experienced by the inhabitants. This home has been designed as an open concept space, to allow for social interaction, but great care has been taken to carve out private areas for personal use. The main floor, for instance, comprises a large kitchen and dining area with a small seating area near the table. This space accommodates larger social engagements, while still allowing residents to seek out moments of quiet reprieve without being completely isolated. Above the stairs on the second floor, a loft space has been created. This loft overlooks the heart of the home: the kitchen. This integration enables the interconnection between living space and individuals.
The sun path was an essential guiding factor in determining the final design: there is always light passing through the main living spaces. To illuminate the interior throughout the day, the home has many windows and doors to fill the space with natural light. The large door along the South elevation was designed to have a single glass panel run along almost the entire door, while the east elevation has a large window in the kitchen, emphasizing the connection between interior and exterior. This window bathes the kitchen in natural light throughout the day physically and symbolically highlighting its importance within the home. On the West elevation there is a large balcony over top of the garage with a large sliding glass curtain wall. The incorporation of a curtain wall allows light to illuminate the loft space, and the placement of the space allows the light can to travel down the stairs into the kitchen, giving the kitchen access to the afternoon sun. This balcony also holds the deepest connection to the interior and exterior spaces; once that door is opened the interior and exterior become one environment.
Along the east elevation there are large french doors that have a flush mounted threshold. Not only does this door allow light to flood the interior living room, it enables accessible access to the backyard, ensuring easy access to the outdoor wood burning fireplace for all. Although the fireplace is typically an interior element, the design has pushed the boundaries creating an external wood burning fireplace. The fireplace allows the exterior and interior environment to merge into one entity.
The large bay window integrated within the North elevation also allows for natural light to enter the space, while also creating space for semi-private reflection. This cozy nook can also be used as extra seating within the living room if needed.
The connection between light, the users, and the interior environments has been explored throughout the design. How the residents use the space, how the light floods through the interior throughout the day, and how the residents interact with one another are the connection that holds this design together.
