H_AOM
Private Residence
Warsaw, North Carolina
This new construction residence applies non-traditional aesthetics to rural North Carolina vernacular forms, transcending orthodox ranch design. A universal design approach incorporates features in a single-floor function, providing access to the residents for the duration of their lives and for those yet to inherit the space. The form is derived from two rectangular boxes, slid apart, with an overlapping draping roof and skin form. This draping is created from a single sheet of material, folded and slit, connecting the two boxes. Interior spaces infuse warmth, utilizing client-requested rustic materials (reminiscent of timber-frame or log homes) while maintaining a contemporary approach.
Affordable framing techniques are employed to create interesting roof relationships, utilizing one truss configuration. A strong sense of interior privacy, a client requirement, is fostered while simultaneously maintaining a connection to the surrounding landscape. The home is oriented on a north-south axis with north-facing windows; an extended overhang for a diffused day-lighting effect covers a series of south-facing windows at the kitchen and bedroom.
Living spaces are oriented north-south while the axis for circulation is oriented east-west; this minimizes the depth light must penetrate through the space, improving natural day-lighting. The scheme maximizes privacy and illumination, two seemingly opposite goals. Design techniques proven to reduce energy costs, along with locally obtained materials, serve an environmental purpose as well as keeping the clients current and future costs within budget.
Using materials such as imperfect wood pieces obtained from the variety of milling plants located less than 100 miles away reduces material costs. The homes heating system will be a radiant floor system embedded in an elevated concrete slab, while high volume ceilings are used to encourage a natural cooling cycle in the living spaces.