Jarrett Residence

Location: Apex, NC
Completion Date: TBD
Project Team: Frank Harmon, Ashley Ozburn, Tika Hicks

Problem Statement

The client asked for a modern, open house that embodies the principles of sustainable architecture with minimal impact on its wooded site. The site features sloping topography, an elegant maple tree, and a small creek along the northeast boundary.

Our Design Response

The scheme is composed of two pieces: one long, narrow piece projecting half of itself out over the hill towards a creek and maple below, and the second low element running parallel with the topography and intersecting with the first to create a dynamic space. Each piece houses a bedroom on the end and begins to turn into public space as it intersects with the other, culminating in a dramatic living room that projects out over the sloping site below. The L-shaped footprint creates an intimate courtyard directly off the kitchen and living room. The courtyard will feature a pool and space for outdoor entertainment. The dining room can be opened to extend dining out onto the porch.

The scheme features broad roof overhangs on the southern side to shelter the house from the summer sun yet allow northern light to filter into the space. The floor plan allows the client to enjoy a different, yet spectacular, view of the site from each room -- towards the creek below, into the woodlands, and over a small field opening near the house. The line between indoors and outdoors is intentionally blurred to give the interior space a sense of being connected to the natural environment.