The Annex house project includes two distinct structures on the site – the main house and coach house – seamlessly connected by design. Together, they form an outdoor courtyard, extending the main floor for outdoor living that evolves with the seasons. Clad in different tones of wood veneer fiber cement panels, both structures have aligned panels seams and window openings, fostering a cohesive design language between them.
In the interior, the original layout is reimagined, utilizing an open plan with built-in elements instead of walls to both delineate and connect spaces through a play of rich materials and carefully curated openings. These elements not only frame specific views but also foster a dialogue between spaces, defining the unique character of each room while creating a sense of interconnectedness throughout. The ground floor revolves around a central volume, concealing storage, ductwork, and structural elements, while featuring cut-outs for a linear fireplace, niches for display, and built-in seating. Within this volume lies a void – a discrete washroom adorned in white marble with floating fixtures and a custom stone vanity, luminous and smooth like the interior of a shell. Contrasting the interior, the volume’s exterior surface is clad in white oak and limestone, articulated in an interplay of closed and open sections for storage and display.
Towards the rear of the house, a second floor-to-ceiling millwork volume clad in walnut, serves as a bridge between the kitchen and dining areas. This volume, housing a bar, wine fridge, storage, and TV, incorporates strategically placed openings to facilitate views, conversation, and interaction between the two spaces. The aligned seams in the wood cabinets guide the eye towards the expansive rear openings, extending the sightline to encompass the courtyard and coach house beyond.
On the upper floors, a consistent approach to screening elements is employed, maintaining a unity of materials that fosters views between spaces, promoting connectivity and a sense of expansiveness. This design strategy imbues the house with a feeling of spaciousness, creating the perception of a larger living environment. A coherent palette characterized by clean lines, rich and warm materials, and abundant unique built-in millwork providing ample storage solutions throughout the house.
