LUMINOUS HOUSE
NARROW LOT COMPETITION, NORTHAMPTON
COMPETITION DATE: FALL 2013
TYPE: RESIDENTIAL
The project aims at maximizing the potentials of the site to the extreme by creating a bright, efficient and spacious house. To do so two sets of decisions have been made: In footprint, the project builds upon the boundaries dictated by the setbacks by locating itself within the designated areas. Then, pulling the Southwestern corner in, the plan opens up to allow for a more generous back and side yard. The southern façade benefits from the sun exposure while being mindful of the neighbor’s close proximity by an array of punctured windows. The Northern wall, which faces the conservation area, opens up on the top floor to allow for a continuous series of clearstories, which bring light and view to the house. The organization is simple and efficient: there is a circulation area in tandem with the North façade that allows for a flexible space connecting the different components of the house, and a more programmed configuration along the south wall for more public (living, dining, kitchen and office) on the ground floor and the bedrooms on the upper floor.