Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
Modern Architecture Carves Out Room for Interest
Go ahead, stand in the corner. With entryways and patios architecturally carved into the corner of a home, you'll enjoy the view
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City. I have Bachelor of Architecture and Master in Urban Planning degrees, and over ten years experience in architectural practice, split between Chicago and NYC. Currently I'm focused on writing and online pursuits. My daily blog can be found at http://archidose.blogspot.com
Houzz Contributor. I am an architect and writer living in New York City.... More »
In a recent ideabook on modern houses in Canada, I noticed how carving into volumes was a shared trait. This led me to look around Houzz for other houses doing similar maneuvers, and one technique that popped up numerous times is what I'm calling "carved corners." Buildings with carved corners have a portion taken out of a volume to create an outdoor space, frame an entry or simply make a design statement. Whatever the case, they are special moments that deserve attention.
| The carved corner of this house certainly stands out, thanks to the natural wood color against the gray wood backdrop of the rest of the front. This contrast should last, since the wood will not be subject to rain — a virtue of its being recessed. |
A closer look reveals the depth of this corner, which allows for a bench next to the front door. This depth helps to keep visitors dry at the front door, or even the residents as they fumble with their keys after hopping out of the roadster in the driveway.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| This second example is a subtler design, in which the opening is a size that's similar to the window next to it, without creating any strong contrast between what is carved and what is not. The cladding gives this portion of the house a Lego-like appearance, going hand in hand with the simplified gable geometry. And this gets at what makes carved corners work: When the form can be grasped in its entirety, then the carving is noticeable and can have a greater impact. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| This recess provides sheltered access through a side door, but I could see the area underneath being used as a shady sitting space for someone not taking a dip. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
This interesting green box has a generous patio created through its carved corner.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
The green comes from variegated glazed bricks, but up close I'm drawn to the the built-in sink in the concrete counter/bench aligned with the side wall. It looks like the owners thought of everything they wanted with the outdoor space.
| Carved corners can be used for other things besides entries and patios. This example, a multifamily housing project with numerous carvings, features a garage in its recess. (The entrance is to the side of the garage door.) |
| Looking at the plan for this unit, it's clear that the overhang above adds to the floor area, creating a larger living space. This makes sense, given the compact plan. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| This project does not scream "carved corner" like the previous examples do, but the side on the left — the illuminated corner — does exhibit the same traits. The outer layer of horizontal wood slats opens up at the corner. |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| From inside, the reason for this opening up is clear. Nice view! |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
The carving aspect is apparent here, where the glass wall is set back enough to allow for some outdoor seating. The cabin is like a wood liner in front of a glass box.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| This example is a bit more complex than the other examples. The wood columns and bracing at the corner show how part of the house is literally opened up to create some sheltered outdoor space. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
The corner is located near a lookout that gives nice views of the surrounding mountains. Cutouts in the wall enable views from the lower level.
| A variation on the carved-corner theme is this house, which has a chunk taken out of the top corner. This creates a terrace open to the sky. |
Ideabook published on Sept. 12, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
I featured a home recently which I thought was one of the nicest Modern Homes I had seen in a long time - http://hometipster.com/elegant-modern-home/
By the way, if I had to pick one here it would be the Webber + Studio Design as the architects have done a fabulous job of blending the home in with its environment - simply lovely.
Thanks again for a really good read.