|
Client: Private Client
Warren County, Ohio
Project Responsibilities:
Concept Design, Construction Documents
The design for this hillside residence integrates the home with its nature-rich landscape, through banks of windows, a large screened in porch and solutions for a challenging construction site.
Built on a heavily wooded site with a steep slope along the Little Miami River, the home had to be located part way up the hillside to stay above the 100-year floodplain.
The steep slope presented challenges, including as the threat of tree removal and excavation, but also opportunities to take advantage of the meadow below and the river beyond the property. To save as many trees as possible, stone retaining walls were installed behind the house, and a switchback driveway gives access to the home.
A two-level floor plan steps up with the slope of the hillside to minimize excavation and harmoniously integrate the house with the outdoors. The owners take advantage of the views from a large screened in porch and deck on the front of the house.
Inside, banks of large windows provide scenic views of the surrounding meadow and woodland. The open, multi-level floor plan allows visibility throughout the home, much like an urban loft.
The design incorporates a closed loop geothermal heating and cooling system, which along with the super insulated envelope, creates an energy efficient structure. It also incorporates a manual transfer switch to allow the connection of a portable generator that provides essential electric service during a power failure.
|