* 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

designalog : contact

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

* Residential Architecture: Oakville Residence by Guido Costantino

Residential Architecture: Oakville Residence by Guido Costantino: “..A 2-storey modern residence on a wooded lot in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, this modern residence is comprised of a monochromatic palate (ndlr., We believe it is safe to assume that the intended word is, in fact, “palette”..) of stucco, concrete, brick, anodized siding and a mix of opaque and transparent glass..The street-facing front of the residence limits views into the residence, providing privacy through the use of frosted glass and an interior large two and a half storey concrete wall. In contrast, the back exterior unpeels to the outside, providing expansive views onto the bucolic lot and allowing light to flood into the space..Designed for a young family, who wanted a contemporary home where everyday life is not compartmentalized to specific spaces, the house plan flows freely, allowing areas to bleed into each other harmoniously. Rather than being defined by walls, the spaces are nuanced through small level and/or material changes, such as a step-down into the living area or a shift from concrete to wood floor. The palate (“palette” is once again recommended.) is restrained allowing for no visual breaks in keeping with the free-flowing space..At the front of the house, large shifted concrete pads welcome you into the residence, transitioning internally into a polished concrete floor, which then slips back out to the exterior to form a long narrow concrete pool. The concrete defines circulation, leading you into the house and back out, but also internally acting as a threshold between the kitchen / dining room and the sunken living space..Internally, the concrete floor steps down into the living space, where the steps wrap and fold to create a ledge for the hearth, which is anchored to a large 2 1/2 storey unpolished concrete wall. The concrete wall slices through all floors vertically, as well as providing an anchor for the white metal skeleton staircase..The challenge was to address the needs of the family, while maintaining the desire for an open plan. The L-shaped floor plan allows all spaces to receive maximum light, unobstructed views onto the wooded lot and into other areas of the house, while still providing private functional spaces..”  Extensive glazing, natural light, views; interesting interior volumes, materiality, details..

designalog : contact

image: © Domenica Rodà; article: Gaete , Javier . “Oakville Residence / Guido Costantino” 08 Sep 2012. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/269980&gt;