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OKasian House / Fitzsimmons Architects
Architects: Fitzsimmons Architects
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
Architect in Charge: Brian Fitzsimmons AIA
Collaborators: Larry Pickering, Stan Lingo P.E.
Project Size: 223 sqm conditioned space, 395 sqm total floor area
Budget: $290,500
Project year: 2007
Photographs: Joseph Mills Photography
Downtown Oklahoma City is in the midst of a rebirth and it bears little resemblance to the barren dry landscape that was the backdrop of Steinbeck’s great novel. In the setting of a bustling and revitalized Downtown, The OKasian House was the debut effort of a new architecture firm. Nestled in the heart of the city, it reinterprets the idea of home and downtown living, and serves as home, architectural office, and design workshop. The site, once home to 3 buildings demolished in the 80’s satisfied the owners’ enthusiasm for downtown living and the architect’s belief in urban in-fill.
entry level plan
The form is mathematically influenced by numerals important to the owners, and aesthetically expressive of their unique taste. It is enveloped in metal with large expanses of brick, glass and skylights, providing approximately 2400 sf of living space filled with art and furniture by the Owner/Architect as well as other local artists. One objective was to maximize the view of Oklahoma City’s growing skyline. Placing the building at the South end of the lot accomplished that and accommodates discreet alley garage and shop access on the South lower level. This placement also allows a future building to the north. Guest entry to the property utilizes a set of original concrete steps and takes the visitor through the site of a bamboo lined courtyard on the North side of the house. The North wall of all sliding glass panels mesh the interior with the courtyard, and invite one into spaces which flow and change to accommodate the owners’ needs. A sixteen foot high corner of glass, framing the downtown view, serves as a focus for nearly every point within. Whether one is in the galley kitchen, the balcony office or the two story volume living room, the outdoors is an inviting presence. Three outdoor spaces have been included, all of which allow interaction with the reviving neighborhood while maintaining a level of privacy. Foremost of these spaces is a sheltered roof top deck, perfect for catching one of Oklahoma’s panoramic sunsets or an evening’s view of the downtown skyline’s twinkling lights.
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- garage level plan
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- entry level plan
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- bedroom level plan
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22 comments »
I like it, but it looks unfinshed. I don’t know why it looks like that. I let you to comment that!
only missed out on relevant architecture by 15 years…
The exterior does seem reminiscent of some of the models of houses in early Morphosis portfolios. I would say its relevant though, as long as someone likes it, and instances of it keep reoccurring – as with any other ’style’ of architecture.
the entire midwest is riddled with bad 1990’s california…
randy brown, dan rockhill now this firm… the midwest, has no earthquakes or culture clash which give alibi to this stuff, so why don’t we praise good instead of the “weird”… el dorado is great, fey jones when he was great… marlon blackwell found a voice… this stuff is not cleaver or smart its just played out move on with real thoughts, and stop being ashamed of the
midwest and embrace it.
Funny volumes… but quite well solved in my opinion, not bad at all!
`The form is mathematically influenced by numerals important to the owners`
What? Their lucky number is 4? They got married on the 12th?
the metal facade seems to be pillowing… that sux
Whenever I’m in the area I make it a point to drive by and look at this home. It is easily one of Oklahoma City’s most creative and daring home designs and it is quite liveable with minimal hardscaping. The photos don’t do the site justice.
It’s overly complicated…
Yes, OKC has little going on (outside of Rand Elliote’s Office) but that doesn’t make this hodgepodge of angles and too many materials relevant!
The owners have decided its relevant. Personally, I’d reduce the number of parts/elements in the vocabulary, but thats just my opinion.
nice interiors.
I struggle to see the connection between different elements of the house; like too many voices shouting at the same time. The design seems unrefined. Not bad, just not good either.
The aluminium/zinc diagonal figure sort of reminds me of a post-modern chruch.
I give the bathroom with the shower 6 months tops before it is smelling of mold and rotting wood. Not my idea of good design.
Teak. As in water compatible.
I’m, suprised that this has had any positive comments. no wonder people live in project homes when this is the alternative.
wpgmb: totally agree, couldn’t agree more, “loud voices”
I really like the opening image, with the canted metal volume, and I like most of the interiors. I would tone down or quiet the other long side of the house – just to let the canted volume stand out as the central formal idea. The L-shaped screen/canopy at the perimeter of the site seems a bit superfluous.
On balance, mostly positive but I personally would do some editing.
“just to let the canted volume stand out as the central formal idea”
this is a prank right… just a big joke… good one guys, you got me
No prank…I’m not sure what irony you see in that, so I’m not sure how to direct my comments. To reiterate, that seems like a bold enough move to carry the project on the interior and exterior, without the need for the mix of elements on the other elevation. Just my take…
the interior is just great
how do you know about how great the interior is… I saw four pics of the same room… and a lot of paint.
I count at least three: bedroom, bath, living, plus a stairwell detail. I think its great too. I even like the paint that I see. To each his own I suppose.