CONTEXTUAL FIT
The Smith House
The goal of this project is to analyze the existing systems created in 1965 by Richard Meier, in the Smith house. After analyzing the existing systems, we implement them into an addition to the existing structure.
In doing so, the addition must refrain from destroying Meier’s original design principles, patterns and methodologies. Overall, creating unity between the old and new.
Narrative
In 1965, Richard Meier designed the Smith House in Darien, Connecticut for Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Shortly after the house was built, Fred and Carole separated, and a 300 square foot expansion was then added to the master suite. Afterwards, the house was given to the Smith children, Chuck and Hobby Smith. Two years ago, the house was sold to a friendly neighbor otherwise known as Thomas Majewski, the current owner of the Smith house. After graduating from Binghamton University School of Management, Thomas became the owner and founder of Eagle Point Credit Management. The company is a large financial service, full of entrepreneurs. Previously, he has worked for other major companies including JPMorgan and Bear Stearn. After doing extensive research and interacting with the owner, he has requested a design that reflects the journey he has taken to get to where he is today. Some of these key components include personal development and developing a successful business. Overall, the symbolism of the addition will represent the stairs to success.
Sorting of Original Spaces
A. Public
- Family Room
- Kitchen
- Outdoor Deck
B. Private
- Master Bedroom
- Master Bathroom
- Bathrooms (ALL)
- Bedrooms (ALL)
A. Individual
- Master Bedroom
- Bathrooms (ALL)
- Office
B. Group
- Kitchen
- Family Room
- Outdoor Area
A. Quiet
- Formal Outdoor Area
- Exercise Room
B. Loud
- Family Room
- Master Bedroom
- Master Bathroom
Meta-Idea:
Growth
"Failures are the stairs we climb
to reach success" - Roy T. Bennett
Growth in terms of
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- Personal Growth
- Growth & Success in his business
- Growth in Time
- Growth in the Smith House design
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All creating balance
Hierarchy:
Office
Circulation Path:
Hierarchy by SIZE
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Two story instead of one = Exceptional & Spatial Size
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Hierarchy by GEOMETRY
Right Triangle = Unique Shape (Light & Straight Edge)
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Hierarchy by PLACEMENT
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Middle Level = Strategic Location
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Linear Circulation Path = Simple = Clear (All Paths Are Linear)
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Circulation By Approach
Circulation By Entrance
Circulation By Configuration Of A Path
Circulation By Path-Space Relationship
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The original staircase was primarily used when designing the addition. In addition to previous underdeveloped areas of the house.
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Contextual Analysis
Original Floor Plans
Original Floor Plan Analysis
Preliminary Designs
Preliminary Design 1 Process
Preliminary Design 2 Process
Preliminary Design 3 Process
Preliminary Design 4 Process
Additional Preliminary Design Sketches
Proposed Floorplan and Analysis
Circulation Paths
Lower Level
Entry Level
Upper Level
Hierarchy
Hierarchy by GEOMETRY
Hierarchy by SIZE
Hierarchy by PLACEMENT
Sorting of Spaces in the Addition
Room
Floor
Family Room
1st Floor
Indoor Gym
2nd Floor
Master Bedroom
2nd Floor
Master Bathroom
2nd Floor
Formal Outdoor
3rd Floor
Office
2nd & 3rd Floor
Public/Private
Public
Private
Private
Private
Public
Public
Void/Mass
Open/Closed
Open
Closed
Void
Mass
Open
Void
Mass
Closed
Void
Open
Open
Void
Floor Plans
Ground Level Floor Plan
Entry Level Floor Plan
Upper-Level Floor Plan
Elevations & Section
South Elevation
North Elevation
The design solution for the addition protects the original design concept of privacy and open space. Both creating balance. This was executed by using a minimal number of openings on the facade of the addition. The openings were strategically placed in order to keep the orthogonal principle and concepts by Meier.
West Elevation
The design solution for the addition connects with Richard Meiers vertical design concept. This was executed by continuing the design solution vertically and keeping the spaces compact. Furthermore, creating void areas to form a definitive spatial area.
East Elevation
Proposed Section
3D Exterior Views
3D Exterior View #1
3D Exterior View #2
3D Exterior View #3
3D Exterior View #4
3D Exterior View #5
3D Exterior View #6
Specific Views &Renderings
3D Interior View #1
The collection of these views demonstrates the relationship between the floors and the steps taken in the client's life, from the state of business to the transformation of clarity, (often referred to in forms of nature)
is represented by the formal outdoor.
The use of the different heights in the glass walls provides transparency. In terms of the metaphor, it provides the opportunity for the continuation of growth: to be able to look behind and still continue to go forward.
3D Interior View #2
The three viewpoints are taken on an overhang in the office. Both the upper and lower catwalks provide a metaphorical bridge between the past, future and present. Overall, continuing the growth and development of the three concepts mentioned earlier.
Therefore, the walkway is used as a key element to the Smith House design.
3D Interior View #3
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Overall, this design solution provides
UNITY
and
BALANCE
between old and new and past, present and future
Additional Interior View
(Movable)