Parks Residence / The Raleigh Architecture Co.

Parks Residence / The Raleigh Architecture Co.

Parks Residence / The Raleigh Architecture Co. - Windows, FacadeParks Residence / The Raleigh Architecture Co. - Table, Chair, WindowsParks Residence / The Raleigh Architecture Co. - Facade, Beam, DeckParks Residence / The Raleigh Architecture Co. - Stairs, Shelving, HandrailParks Residence / The Raleigh Architecture Co. - More Images+ 11

  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  2320 ft²
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2017
  • Photographs
    Photographs:Keith Isaacs
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  ALLURA, Andersen Windows & Doors, Cosmos, Sikkens, Tamlyn
Parks Residence / The Raleigh Architecture Co. - Image 9 of 16
© Keith Isaacs

Text description provided by the architects. On a heavily wooded site, down a gravel road in the heart of a suburban neighborhood, lies the Parks Residence. The house blends into the surrounding forest through the use of subdued materials and reflection, hiding away light-filled volumes inside. Beginning with a simple box, the outer form was manipulated to orient views towards the trees to the east and creek to the west. Envisioned as a Wunderkammer, or “cabinet of wonder”, the interior spaces strive to be a backdrop for the numerous weird and wonderful objects collected by the client over several decades. 

Parks Residence / The Raleigh Architecture Co. - Windows, Facade
© Keith Isaacs

The program for the house is a relatively simple one. A retiring boutique owner needed a place to be surrounded by nature, walls to hang her art, and views to the creek so she could watch her grandchildren play. Careful siting of the footprint preserved as many of the existing trees as possible and worked with the topography to minimize earth moving.

Parks Residence / The Raleigh Architecture Co. - Facade, Beam, Deck
© Keith Isaacs
Floor Plans
Parks Residence / The Raleigh Architecture Co. - Sofa, Windows, Table
© Keith Isaacs

The metal clad first floor houses the main living and sleeping areas with deep overhangs to protect the exterior decks and windows from sun and rain. Large bands of glass to the east and west bring the surrounding forest visually into the house and blur the lines between inside and outside. A double-height central space allows light into the interior and views to the tree canopy beyond. The second-floor box is home to a library loft for reflection and study, an outdoor terrace facing the creek, and two bedrooms for visiting family members.

Parks Residence / The Raleigh Architecture Co. - Table, Chair, Stairs, Windows, Handrail
© Keith Isaacs

The Parks residence is located on a steeply sloping site, so a cast in place concrete foundation serves both as retaining wall and crawl space/storage below. Engineered wood floor and roof trusses are used to create the long spans required by the large open living areas and exterior overhangs, reinforced by steel beams. Locally sourced cypress siding used on the exterior creates a physical and visual connection to the forest surrounding the house and dark metal wall panels further make the house visually disappear. 

Parks Residence / The Raleigh Architecture Co. - Table, Chair, Windows
© Keith Isaacs

A sloping TPO roof is easily accessible for maintenance from the second-floor balcony. The metal staircase leading to the library loft is tube steel with self-tapping connections used for the floating steel stair tread supports. A repurposed steel mesh welding curtain gets a new life as a privacy screen for the large bank of double paned windows at the front elevation.

Parks Residence / The Raleigh Architecture Co. - Windows, Forest
© Keith Isaacs

Project gallery

See allShow less
About this office
Cite: "Parks Residence / The Raleigh Architecture Co." 08 Mar 2019. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/912764/parks-residence-the-raleigh-architecture-co> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.