Formal Living Design Ideas with Concrete Floors
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FINNE ArchitectsThe Mazama house is located in the Methow Valley of Washington State, a secluded mountain valley on the eastern edge of the North Cascades, about 200 miles northeast of Seattle.
The house has been carefully placed in a copse of trees at the easterly end of a large meadow. Two major building volumes indicate the house organization. A grounded 2-story bedroom wing anchors a raised living pavilion that is lifted off the ground by a series of exposed steel columns. Seen from the access road, the large meadow in front of the house continues right under the main living space, making the living pavilion into a kind of bridge structure spanning over the meadow grass, with the house touching the ground lightly on six steel columns. The raised floor level provides enhanced views as well as keeping the main living level well above the 3-4 feet of winter snow accumulation that is typical for the upper Methow Valley.
To further emphasize the idea of lightness, the exposed wood structure of the living pavilion roof changes pitch along its length, so the roof warps upward at each end. The interior exposed wood beams appear like an unfolding fan as the roof pitch changes. The main interior bearing columns are steel with a tapered “V”-shape, recalling the lightness of a dancer.
The house reflects the continuing FINNE investigation into the idea of crafted modernism, with cast bronze inserts at the front door, variegated laser-cut steel railing panels, a curvilinear cast-glass kitchen counter, waterjet-cut aluminum light fixtures, and many custom furniture pieces. The house interior has been designed to be completely integral with the exterior. The living pavilion contains more than twelve pieces of custom furniture and lighting, creating a totality of the designed environment that recalls the idea of Gesamtkunstverk, as seen in the work of Josef Hoffman and the Viennese Secessionist movement in the early 20th century.
The house has been designed from the start as a sustainable structure, with 40% higher insulation values than required by code, radiant concrete slab heating, efficient natural ventilation, large amounts of natural lighting, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and locally sourced materials. Windows have high-performance LowE insulated glazing and are equipped with concealed shades. A radiant hydronic heat system with exposed concrete floors allows lower operating temperatures and higher occupant comfort levels. The concrete slabs conserve heat and provide great warmth and comfort for the feet.
Deep roof overhangs, built-in shades and high operating clerestory windows are used to reduce heat gain in summer months. During the winter, the lower sun angle is able to penetrate into living spaces and passively warm the exposed concrete floor. Low VOC paints and stains have been used throughout the house. The high level of craft evident in the house reflects another key principle of sustainable design: build it well and make it last for many years!
Photo by Benjamin Benschneider
| SPIRAL ARCHITECTS |The original ceiling, comprised of exposed wood deck and beams, was revealed after being concealed by a flat ceiling for many years. The beams and decking were bead blasted and refinished (the original finish being damaged by multiple layers of paint); the intact ceiling of another nearby Evans' home was used to confirm the stain color and technique.
Architect: Gene Kniaz, Spiral Architects
General Contractor: Linthicum Custom Builders
Photo: Maureen Ryan Photography
European HomeThe Lucius 140 Tunnel by Element4 is a perfectly proportioned linear see-through fireplace. With this design you can bring warmth and elegance to two spaces -- with just one fireplace.
Johker DesignGorgeous Modern Waterfront home with concrete floors,
walls of glass, open layout, glass stairs,
Dynia ArchitectsThis residence is situated on a flat site with views north and west to the mountain range. The opposing roof forms open the primary living spaces on the ground floor to these views, while the upper floor captures the sun and view to the south. The integrity of these two forms are emphasized by a linear skylight at their meeting point. The sequence of entry to the house begins at the south of the property adjacent to a vast conservation easement, and is fortified by a wall that defines a path of movement and connects the interior spaces to the outdoors. The addition of the garage outbuilding creates an arrival courtyard.
A.I.A Wyoming Chapter Design Award of Merit 2014
Project Year: 2008
Formal Living Design Ideas with Concrete Floors
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