Design Solution: From the main entry, a datum—created from exposed beams—runs from the front of the house to the back, blurring the boundary between inside and out. Surrounding this plane are three private volumes: the children’s bedrooms on one side, the junior accessory dwelling unit on the other, and the primary suite above, all of which can be accessed from a small entry court beneath the beamed canopy. Here, the space is compressed, but at the rear of the property, where shared living areas have been consolidated, there is a sense of airiness. The living room overlooks an outdoor patio and pool, which beckon to visitors through glass window-walls that completely open. A staircase discreetly runs upward, between two beams, enabling access to the primary suite on the second floor.

Photo © Tim Hirschmann

Structure and Materials: A client mandate to avoid drywall resulted in the use of wood framing and concrete finishes complemented by expanses of sliding glass. The exposed beams are glue-laminated, and despite their heft, do not look oppressive. Exterior cladding includes vertically oriented, thermally modified ash siding—now weathering to take on a silvery cast—and smooth-trowel plaster.

Additional Information
Completion date: June 2024
Site size: 0.135 acres
Total construction cost: $2.4 million
Client/Owner: Eric Kahn and Paula Kupfer

Photos © Tim Hirschmann

Drawings courtesy Hopson Rodstrom Design; click to enlarge