Private Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects

Private Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects - Chair, Deck, Patio, CourtyardPrivate Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects - Facade, Beam, PatioPrivate Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects - FacadePrivate Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects - FacadePrivate Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects - More Images+ 9

Text description provided by the architects. Rigorous parameters dictate the design of this weekend residence, an architecturally distinguished one-level house for a multi-generational family.  As a counterpoint to the owners’ high-rise lifestyle, the home accommodates an abundance of family and guests and offers immediate access to the land. It is also serene, comfortable and secluded. The owners can re-energize from city life, enjoy intimate landscape views from every room and roam the grounds.

Private Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects - Facade, Beam, Patio
© Steve Hall/Hedrich Blessing

The structure is a simple configuration of three contiguous pavilions of varying heights, each housing different functions.  But all offer light-filled living spaces with significant volume to heighten the airy nature of the home. The design reflects the family’s desire to provide an epicenter for action; access the outdoors from multiple spaces; provide room for family interactions at the pool, play areas and central fireplace; have private spaces for intimate activities such as reading; and embrace sustainable initiatives.

To these ends, the design features:

  • A 6500 sq. ft. floor plan that is precisely sited to maximize daylight, sightlines and ventilation and allows visual and physical access to the rolling acres.

Private Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects - Facade
© Steve Hall/Hedrich Blessing

  • Eco-friendly solutions that include a geothermal heating and cooling system, high-efficiency foam insulation, Low-E2 argon-filled insulated glazing, and low-VOC materials throughout; meticulously calculated overhangs to provide solar shading; and Energy Star appliances, low- flow fixtures and recycled materials including resilient flooring and carpets.

Private Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects - Facade
© Steve Hall/Hedrich Blessing

  • Three interconnected pavilions--a voluminous living space with a cantilevered brise-soliel to modulate the Southern light; a guest wing with three bedrooms and an exercise studio that slides open to the pool environs; and a secluded master suite pavilion.

Private Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects - Facade, Garden
© Steve Hall/Hedrich Blessing

  • The use of strong yet honest materials (architectural concrete, lead-coated copper, wood and stone) combined with simple, straightforward design elements such as high ceilings, varied rooflines, vermillion columns, custom designed built-in steel shelving which spans the length of the kitchen-living room space and an in-situ architectural concrete chimney.

Private Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects - Facade
© Steve Hall/Hedrich Blessing

  • Channel glass that streams consistent northern light, allowing for minimal use of electrical lighting during the day.

Private Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects - Windows, Garden
© Steve Hall/Hedrich Blessing

  • A shallow pool with a sound feature to generate a sense of tranquility, a stacked lumber BBQ and a custom designed sunshade.

Private Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects - Facade, Courtyard
© Steve Hall/Hedrich Blessing


A unique element of the home is the front door, a 10’ square pivoting panel painted vermillion that is elegant, inviting and expansive.  It is devised to be impressive; reflective of the project’s substance and style; and add color and character to the facade.  It accomplishes these goals in the following way:

Private Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects - Windows, Facade, Courtyard
© Steve Hall/Hedrich Blessing

  • Its dramatic scale signals the home’s entry and visually bridges an architectural divide between the public voluminous living space and the private master suite of the house.

Private Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects - Table, Chair
© Steve Hall/Hedrich Blessing

  • The panel pivots effortlessly, providing varying degrees of transparency, security and exposure of, and to, the residence. 

Private Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects - Column
© Steve Hall/Hedrich Blessing

  • When fully opened at 90 degrees, it reveals the voluminous foyer to the world outside, totally transforming the nature of the space. It also provides ventilation and a direct passage to the pool environs, a covered outdoor eating area and the private grounds beyond.

Private Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects - Sink
© Steve Hall/Hedrich Blessing

  • Its character and presence is heightened by its high-gloss paint and slender, sculptural stainless steel pull.

Plan

  • In context, the thoughtfully rendered and subtly articulated portal and vermillion panel represents daring artistry and offer a stunning and vibrant counterpoint to the residence’s sedate, understated, elegant materials palette.

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About this office
Cite: "Private Residence / Thomas Shafer Architects" 04 Aug 2012. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/260331/private-residence-grunsfeld-shafer-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

© Steve Hall/Hedrich Blessing

私人住宅 / Grunsfeld Shafer Architects

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