Gill House
The shape of the living environment was determined by the requirements of the physical functions identified, with little room to spare. The swimming pool was moved indoors where it conserved precious space, and also provided a pleasant focus for the open living areas which were placed around it. A small doubles tennis court was agreed to, with the slope of the land allowing it to be depressed both physically and visually. Activity areas were articulated and softened by garden walls.
Above the main floor active area, the private and sleeping areas were placed, while the garage and storage areas were assigned a lower level. This made for a 2 story elevation to the street side and 3 story to the rear. Year round visual enjoyment and use of the pool was an unexpected bonus. Materials and ventilating systems were adjusted to the pool requirements consequently enhancing the desirable feeling of being outside. Large sliding glass doors along the pool make it very open during the summer days, and mild mid-winter days. The necessary shape of the pool allowed pool side dining, entertaining, and day-to-day living. Planting capitalized on the humidity generated by the pool.
Semi-enclosed stone walls, and stone piers were used to enhance the garden aspect both inside and out, and to relate to the existing neighborhood. They serve to interweave the fabric of the spaces created, and as a matrix to the environment. The kitchen is tucked away out of sight, but readily accessible and functional on this completely open floor. This hallway upstairs leads from stair to parents bedroom, which also serves as a pleasant study area with adjacent balconies. The slope of the land allowed an intimate depressed entrance, into the environment at the street side and at the rear alley it permitted a horizontal entrance into a lower level garage that shares space with the body of the pool, and storage type space, including sauna.
Consistent with the desire for warmth and softness, wood was used in addition to the stone, with sharp corners of wood being softened by copper truncations.
The result of all of this is a project that responds to a developing need for the new type of family that wants to live in town, with less reliance on the auto, and that enjoys a more fulfilling life at home. Aesthetic response in hand with problem solving, has served to achieve this end.
