Respect for the land and a light touch on the raw earth were pivotal to the design of this 2200 SF house which was held to the street edge to maintain the woods. Challenges of a steep 40% slope site were remedied by the use of innovative structural systems and modular construction with in the tight $550,000 budget.

Auguer cast piles and a steel trestle created a building platform at half the cost of a traditional foundation and retaining walls. Inspired by the Japanese Tatami mat and constructed like a prefab “kit of parts,” a 12’ x 16’ grid with 4’ cantilevered side bays provided for an economical structural span of less than 14’ and standard lumber modules (4’ x 8’ sheet of plywood), also reducing waste.

Clearstory windows flood the public spaces with daylight precluding the need for artificial light during the day. This elevated house provides a bright interior privatized from the street, with beucolic views to the preserved woods beyond.