Located on a two-acre peninsula, the Guest House is
surrounded by a natural landscape that includes reed-covered wetlands, which
serve as a migratory stop for egrets, cranes and swans. The development of the project utilized a meticulous
analysis of the existing vegetation and wild life to implement a ten year plan
that will eliminate invasive plants, reintroduce native plants, and restore and
increase the existing wetlands.
The beauty of the natural surroundings informs many
aspects of the project beginning with the access to the peninsula from the main
house. The procession uses a light
Pedestrian Bridge inspired by the reeds that surround the site. The bridge’s visual lightness is accomplished
using bent steel rebar left unfinished to rust. This raw construction heightens the experience and gives a certain sense
of adventure when entering into this more wild and natural world.
To limit its ecological impact, the guesthouse was
conceived with a minimal footprint as a light vertical structure consisting of
three floors. The ground floor with its
kitchen, living and dining areas is completely open to a surrounding terrace
separated only by floor to ceiling glass. This sweeping covered deck appears to float above natural grade with
native grasses coming to its edge.
A glass box covered with shutters hovers above the
first floor roof. It contains the master
bedroom in the second level and two bedrooms in the third. The box is attached to a three-story volume
that contains the stair, bathrooms and closets. This volume is defined by a ribbon-like edge that adjusts itself to the
needs of the spaces inside.
The shutters have adjustable slats and can be fully
folded up to accommodate varying light conditions. In addition, the shutters provide protection
for the house when it is not occupied. The steel windows of the cube are fully operable to encourage a greater
interaction with the natural environment.
In total, the Guest House, a sure but respectful object
in the landscape, affords its occupant an opportunity to reflect on the beauty
of its surroundings. collapse
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