Project Description
“You cannot simply put something new into a place. You have to absorb what you see around you, what exists on the land, and then use that knowledge along with contemporary thinking to interpret what you see.” – Tadao Ando The original house is a wonderful example of mid-century modern architecture, created by a Canadian Architect in 1966. With clearstory windows on all four sides, a vaulted great room with exposed glue laminated beams is the home’s central focus. The center of the great room is anchored by a masonry fireplace which rises from the floor below and extends through the roof, creating a massive stone element. Lakeside symmetry is evident in the strong window patterning and emphasis on the great room’s larger volume, while the kitchen and master suite flank either side. Cantilevered glue laminated beams support a deck along the lakeside providing a strong horizontal contrast to the windows.
The house supposedly was used by Weyerhaeuser in promotional materials for glue laminated beams around the time of its completion. These prominently featured timbers were consistently used for the exposed structure. During renovation they were sanded and refinished, and carpeting was removed to expose additional existing laminated wood on the central stair treads and landings. The front entry of the home was in dire need of rejuvenation. An imposing two-story white brick wall dominated the entry, enclosing a porte-cochere that supported two second floor bedrooms. The building program called for a comfortable, open office space in lieu of extra bedrooms. This allowed a design to reduce the second floor area, eliminate the heavy wall, and create an inviting, modernized entry sequence. Above the porte-cochere, the window design on the three exposed sides provides continuity with the existing structure while softening the street view and providing a light, aerie quality to the new office.
The lakeside deck, suffering from dry rot damage and deferred maintenance, required attention. Cantilevered beams were cut back, then the deck was expanded in front of the master suite and enlarged at the kitchen area to create elevated outdoor living spaces. A white brick tower, matching the original masonry of the house, was built to anchor one side of the expanded deck, creating a dynamic covered seating area below, highlighted by an outdoor fireplace nestled within the brick tower. Complementing the interior stair, an exterior metal stairway wraps around the outside of the tower.
Updating of interior materials was done thoughtfully, aiming towards a timeless quality while refurbishing and celebrating the existing wood structure, stairs, and glazing pattern. The interior fireplace wall was modernized without the need for reconfiguration by simply upgrading the surface to contemporary stone. Commercial storefront windows were used to keep the sharp, narrow profiles intact as the failing stopped in glass required replacement. Black granite wall caps were chosen for the exterior hardscape to provide stark relief from the white brick. Each decision was weighed carefully towards enhancement of the existing structure, while respecting the character and integrity of the original architect's vision.