hillen
detail: reclaimed concrete pavers / steel tensile bracing
This home is designed to connect the family to their natural surroundings by weaving into the landscape and graciously opening to expansive views of native Texan flora. The form of the plan was developed through an iterative process that examined circulation patterns, efficiencies, privacy layers, and targeted moments of directed views. The resulting layout will enhance the user experience by bringing in daylight, framing views to nature, creating privacy between living zones, and bringing the family together in an open and engaging living space. Site specific, the plan also integrates into the landscape and in doing so avoids disturbing all existing trees which will remain to enrich the beauty of the landscape. Through the very nature of its fingering form, this house creates a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces with dynamic movement, form, and experience.
The layout follows the physical circulation patterns of the users, avoiding sharp turns for a natural flow through the space. Designed for a family with grown children, the privacy separation of the master suite from the guest rooms is achieved by allocating a separation in circulation paths that join together in the common living space. Through the nature of its fingering form, the design creates a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces with various levels of openness and privacy.
view from living area toward wooded area
left: master suite / middle: living and dining / right: kitchen and porch
circulation: public space circulation weaves through the house with private circulation to bedrooms and semi private circulation to storage/garage tangential to the main path. This layout allows for family privacy while bringing everyone together in the common area.
positive / negative space: the layout of the building creates a variety of spaces around the house including a public approach to the front door, a private resident drive and entrace, and a formal backyard semi enclosed by the house
views: the solid / void composition of the facade is designed to ensure privacy between the wings of the house while framing views to the landscape beyond the windows.
connections: the living space is subdivided by the geometry of the house rather than interior walls. connections are made between spaces through large areas of transparency.
view from study niche to living and foyer
view through kitchen to wooded area beyond