KUBE architecture’s customers, a couple together with the World Bank and their children, had a few dilemmas in regards to their property. “Their existing house was too dark due to this normal wood ceilings, flooring and window trims; they said that living there was a little like living in a log cabin,” states Richard Loosle-Ortega, project architect for its”Forest House.”
The couple wanted to expand their personal living spaces and view of the forest and beyond. What resulted was KUBE’s production of”a tower at the forest.”
at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their 2 kids
Location: Great Falls, Virginia
Size: 5,000 square feet
KUBE architecture
The firm’s main challenge was to make a dialogue between the old house and the new tower. To do this, a plinth was created on the front of the house by extending the foundation throughout the website to the right, and then placing the tower addition in addition to the foundation. The foundation is the frequent element that ties the existing house to the tower addition.
The recessed yellow niches in front help break up the neutral grey foundation and give the home a more powerful sense of rhythm. “There is an in-out-in-out pattern as the eye moves from left to right, from old to new,” states Loosle-Ortega.
KUBE architecture
“We went through countless models analyzing the shape of the tower, the dimensions and location of the windows as well as its link to the existing house,” states Loosle-Ortega.
KUBE architecture
KUBE is famous for its love of color and for working with customers to present colors that make sense as part of the plan and atmosphere. The yellowish niches in the outside are echoed at the citrine splashes from the inside.
Here’s a glimpse into one of the bedrooms at the summertime.
KUBE architecture
Here’s exactly the same space again in the middle of a Virginia winter.
KUBE architecture
KUBE architecture
Large picture windows at the den and library provide selected views of these protected trees and streams in the area.
The homeowners are avid book collectors, so shelving was critical to the Forest House.
See more home library designs
KUBE architecture
“The house is a framework for your own landscape. As one ascends higher and higher in the tower, framed views of the surrounding forest are shown in each direction via large window openings,” states Loosle-Ortega.
KUBE architecture
KUBE’s tower addition is markedly modern compared to the area’s homes, which, based on Loosle-Ortega, are”large, traditional McMansions.”
Browse more regional contemporary architecture
KUBE architecture
KUBE traditionally uses substances common to industrial spaces because of their modernity and durability: stainless steel, glass railings, aluminum window frames and stainless steel. (The sink in this picture is wrapped in stainless steel.)
KUBE architecture
“The shower and tub are part of a large wet room with no separation between them,” states Loosle-Ortega. The window faces the side of the house with no other homes beyond.
KUBE architecture
The tower is meant to maintain dialogue with but not imitate the trees and surrounding area…
KUBE architecture
… and to be more of an observation tower within the forest that contrasts with its environs.
“KUBE sees all our jobs as a team effort involving the owner, architect and contractor. We learn from our customers’ tastes and needs, and they from ours. We are fantastic friends with the owners of the Forest House and’ve even taken prospective customers to see their residence,” states Loosle-Ortega.
More:
A House in the Woods
10 Ways To Expand Your Home Out and Up
