Techno Meets Mid-Century Modern
This original David Osler mid-century modern home, built in 1963, got a lot of things right. With glass box forms that project along the rear of the home and frame a spectacular view of hill and woods - it somehow fits perfectly into the landscape.
The original outdoor deck, however, suffered from a lack of appeal as an exterior living space and did not create an interior connection to the outdoors. In addition, the area underneath the deck had a brick wall in front, which created a dark cave underneath that was prone to moisture & mildew. The entire area was tired and uninviting.
The vision for this project was to create and expand a comfortable and useful exterior space with a light and transparent structure, while keeping the natural debris and elements at bay so the space would be more inviting year-round, inside and out. There was also a strong desire to balance the unique exterior forms of the home.
The structure was designed to be minimalist, in the spirit of the home itself, with materials that were exposed in their useful form – glass, steel, and light wood decking. Sustainability and beauty of materials were an important goal of the client.
The graceful cantilevered structure was also designed to open up underneath the deck, creating an airy space that would not only receive natural light, but also ventilate the area, both physically and psychologically.
Finally, a folding NanaWall door system was utilized to open up a dark entry into the home and let the sunlight in, while beckoning occupants and guests to enjoy the outside views and take in the natural surroundings.
Architecture: PLY+, Ann Arbor
Photography: Sean Carter, Ann Arbor
The original outdoor deck, however, suffered from a lack of appeal as an exterior living space and did not create an interior connection to the outdoors. In addition, the area underneath the deck had a brick wall in front, which created a dark cave underneath that was prone to moisture & mildew. The entire area was tired and uninviting.
The vision for this project was to create and expand a comfortable and useful exterior space with a light and transparent structure, while keeping the natural debris and elements at bay so the space would be more inviting year-round, inside and out. There was also a strong desire to balance the unique exterior forms of the home.
The structure was designed to be minimalist, in the spirit of the home itself, with materials that were exposed in their useful form – glass, steel, and light wood decking. Sustainability and beauty of materials were an important goal of the client.
The graceful cantilevered structure was also designed to open up underneath the deck, creating an airy space that would not only receive natural light, but also ventilate the area, both physically and psychologically.
Finally, a folding NanaWall door system was utilized to open up a dark entry into the home and let the sunlight in, while beckoning occupants and guests to enjoy the outside views and take in the natural surroundings.
Architecture: PLY+, Ann Arbor
Photography: Sean Carter, Ann Arbor
Project Year: 2016
Project Cost: $150,001 - $200,000
Country: United States
Others who worked on this project: Sean Carter Photography
