Kahn House

With the desire for an open and airy outdoor/indoor living space and a budget conscious approach, the client and architect determined that the most cost effective way to achieve this was by building up and out from the footprint of the original house. The existing virtually square footprint was extruded to form the main body of a new two-story house, with non-orthogonal appendage forms (functioning as sitting areas, bay windows, decks, entry and stairs) projecting off of it. These appendages are clad in metal siding while the core of the house is plaster-finished. A double-height atrium with adjunct living areas emanating from it was designed as both a light well and the central living core. A subtly pitched roof with broad eaves, floating above a band of clerestory windows, fills the atrium with daylight. Two built-in artifacts of construction, a structural steel “x” brace and the fireplace from the original house, are intended as additions to the clients’ broad ranging art collection. A 360 degree view roof deck is accessed by exterior stairs that feature prominently in the form-making expression of the house. With the completion of concrete hardscape elements and front yard landscaping, the project now awaits Phase II: a new accessory garage/studio/office and landscaped rear yard with pool.