Detail Matters: Vanguard Way

Beginning with a young, enthusiastic couple and a simple program, architect Joshua Nimmo, AIA approached the residential project site with the challenge of preserving the existing vegetation. The result was a tree-house design with a small footprint. The form conveys a quiet dialogue with its surroundings: a modest monolith draped with a metal veneer, creating large planes and openings ... elements that serve as backdrop to the natural surroundings.

Once inside, a three-level space houses a central stairway with an open screen wall and floating steps. Transparency, levels, and landings provide variety as one moves throughout the residence. The stairs’ winding nature creates a desired separation of all rooms and living areas.

The key experience of the home is composed of a simple kit of parts: engineered lumber, steel angles, nuts, and bolts. Garrett Ratner of Dwellings AKC led the construction of this singular element that both visually and literally connects the spaces within the home on Vanguard Way.









 

Compiled by James Adams, AIA, RIBA, a senior associate with Corgan.
Documentation provided by Joshua Nimmo, AIA, principal at NIMMO.