* Residential Architecture: Matryoshka House by David Jameson Architect

Residential Architecture: Matryoshka House by David Jameson Architect: “..Located in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, this small house is organized as a series of volumes nested one inside another.  At the core of the volumes is a suspended meditation chamber..The suspended box acts as the physical and spiritual center of the project.  The internal energy of the meditation chamber is encapsulated within an open glowing frame. An alternating tread stair engages the participant to deliberately ascend the threshold to the meditation chamber..The meditation chamber is surrounded by a wooden container which encases the living areas of the house. This shell is in turn cradled by stucco walls serving as a protective layer and grounding the house to the earth. The in-between spaces of the nested volumes are strategically sliced to allow the sun to project lines of light within. By separating the three shells, the interstitial spaces allow light to become an architectural material that activates the interior..”  Interesting form, interior volumes, materiality and details; extensive glazing, natural light; developed materiality; horizontal wood cladding..

See some of our posts on other homes by David Jameson Architect:

• Residential Architecture: Black White Residence by David Jameson Architect
• Residential Architecture: Jigsaw Residence by David Jameson Architect
• Residential Architecture: The NaCl House by David Jameson Architect
• Residential Architecture: House on Hoopers Island by David Jameson Architect

designalog : contact

image: © Paul Warchol Photography; article: Minner , Kelly . “Matryoshka House / David Jameson Architect” 26 Dec 2010. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/99023&gt;

* Residential Architecture: Glenbrook Residence by David Jameson Architect

Residential Architecture: Glenbrook Residence by David Jameson Architect: “..Shaped largely by the site, the Glenbrook Residence is conceptually a courtyard inserted between two heavy walls. Threading the walls through the treescape to create distinct yet connected structures allows the house to be divided spatially into the most public, most private and a living pavilion that can become either or both. The residual in-between spaces create outdoor rooms that engage the building..The public and private wings of the house make up the foundations of the design concept. They are thought of as being of the earth and are articulated through their materials and shape as heavy, static pieces. These wings define the bounds of the house and act as the backbone to support the various courtyards, upper roof canopies and the dynamic living pavilion that sits between..the living pavilion is conceived as the center-piece of the concept and glows like a crystal between the heavy wall elements of the house and contains the cooking, eating, and living spaces..Above each of the heavy wings floats a thin, folding roof canopy. More than a simple surface, this roof canopy is conceived as an entity where nothing is hidden and all six sides are exposed to view. The walls that contain the spaces beneath these canopies are made of glass to create the illusion of a floating roof and to blur the boundary between inside and outside. All of these elements adopt a language of angular, dynamic forms in order to be completely liberated from the solid elements of the house..”  Extensive glazing, abundant natural light, views; interesting interior volumes, impressive materiality and details..

See our posts on four other homes by David Jameson Architect:

• Residential Architecture: Black White Residence by David Jameson Architect
• Residential Architecture: Jigsaw Residence by David Jameson Architect
• Residential Architecture: The NaCl House by David Jameson Architect
• Residential Architecture: House on Hoopers Island by David Jameson Architect

image: © Paul Warchol Photography; article: Minner , Kelly . “Glenbrook Residence / David Jameson Architect” 27 Jan 2011. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/106677&gt;

* Residential Architecture: Black White Residence by David Jameson Architect

Residential Architecture: Black White Residence by David Jameson Architect: “..The Black White Residence inhabits the masonry shell of an existing house.  Focusing the design concept around ruins and exploring the idea of aperture, the glass temples, black frames, and white stucco provide a stark contrast to the natural surroundings, all the while offering views to the landscape beyond.  The design program called for renovations on the first floor level and the addition of a second level with a significantly smaller footprint..Alluding to the Acropolis, four modern glass temples emerge from a white stucco plinth as volumes of light, and define space between each other. These volumes of light are stitched together by a circulation core sheathed in black that extends to cradle each space. The volumes are instruments of light, gathering natural light to the interior during the day and glowing in the landscape at night..The glass volumes of the upper level and windows incised into the main level stucco plinth are thought of as lenses to the landscape. Facing the street side of the site, long thin ‘census’ windows give focus to the measured cadence of tree trunks while editing views to passing vehicles. Above, the glass volumes provide panoramic views to the tree canopy and sky above. To the rear yard, one glass volume slices through the plinth to frame unencumbered two storey views..”  Interesting concept, form, interior volumes and details; extensive glazing, interesting fenestration including clerestory windows; abundant natural light and views for this renovation and extension of an existing home..

See our posts on two other homes by David Jameson Architect:

• Residential Architecture: The NaCl House by David Jameson Architect
• Residential Architecture: House on Hoopers Island by David Jameson Architect

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image: © Paul Warchol Photography; article: Minner , Kelly . “Black White Residence / David Jameson Architect” 04 Jan 2011. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/101226&gt;

* Architecture: The Diana Center at Barnard College by Weiss Manfredi

Architecture: The Diana Center at Barnard College by Weiss Manfredi: “..Winner of a national design competition and a Progressive Architecture Award, the Diana Center establishes a new nexus for social, cultural, and intellectual life at Barnard College. From the historic entrance gate at Broadway, the wedge-shaped design frames a clear sightline linking the central campus at Lehman Lawn to the lower level historic core of the campus. The Diana Center extends Lehman Lawn horizontally and vertically: descending planted terraces cascade north to Milbank Hall, previously isolated by a 14-foot-high retaining wall and plaza, and ascending double-height atria bring natural light and views into the seven-story structure..Carving a diagonal void through the building, the ascending double-height glass atria establish continuous sightlines through the gallery, reading room, dining room, and café. Anchoring the lower levels, a 500-seat multipurpose events space and 100-seat black box theatre house lectures, special events, and theatrical productions. On the campus side of the building, an unfolded glazed staircase encourages informal encounters at the heart of a rich intellectual community and provides views to the surrounding campus. Conceived as a vertical campus quad, this cantilevered route interweaves the spaces of the building into those of the campus..Sustainability is integral to the conception of the design and supports the College’s effort to teach and practice environmental principles. The green roof offers a 2,800-square-foot ecological learning center for Barnard’s Biology and Environmental Science students as well as valuable new social space. The building maximizes daylight and views and incorporates operable windows, radiant flooring, and recycled materials. Occupancy sensors, automated shading, and high performance MEP systems increase efficiency..”  Award-winning, sustainability, green roof, extensive glazing, controlled natural light, double height atriums; contextual and social sensibility..LEED Gold Certified..

See our post on another project by Weiss Manfredi: Architecture: Brooklyn Botanic Garden Visitor Center by Weiss/Manfredi Opens to the Public.

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image: © Albert Vecerka/Esto; article: Minner , Kelly . “The Diana Center at Barnard College / Weiss Manfredi” 19 Dec 2010. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/97256&gt;