Oza Sabbeth’s Living Levels is familiar and traditional in its basic massing. However, the complexity in concept and the maturity of its design play out in the dramatic shifts of its gabled forms. The offset of the second-floor guest bedroom suggests a separation in program from the core functions of the connected living spaces. The result of this move is the introduction of natural shading and cover for the exterior patio below. The shifting massing, together with the placement of the openings in the bearing walls below created an exciting set of structural challenges for CRAFT to resolve.
A first-floor open corner was proposed by the architect with direct access to the rear yard. In this case, sliding glass walls are hidden within perimeter walls but meet at the corner to enclose the interior space. Above the open corner sits a cantilevered structure at the second floor level supporting the shifted mass above. The resulting double cantilevered condition had to be carefully designed to ensure that the operation of the sliding walls was not impacted.
The shift in massing creates a set of intersecting geometries that help define and separate space. The placement of the second-floor guest bedroom creates an exterior deck below, accessible through a sliding glazed wall panel.
At the entry, two parallel walls of exposed, board-formed concrete are introduced with shifted openings. The shift offers a controlled entry sequence imagined as a mudroom and coat closet hidden from view.
Additional views of the second floor visually explain the lateral shift and its intentional expression of the interplay between interior and exterior spaces and surface representation. From the rear yard, in elevation, the details of the mystery of structure supporting the cantilevered second floor gable are on display. Likely locations of support are met with glazed openings below to heighten the sense of mystery and create a visual dynamism between the forms.
PROJECT TEAM
Architect: Oza Sabbeth Architects, General Contractor: Modern Green Home
