Success by Design

Designed by Briggs Architecture + Design

A custom home designed to meet the unique needs of owner Jennifer Arndt and to take advantage of opportunities afforded by the site, this design encompasses 7,000 square feet of living space, according to Donald Briggs, AIA, designer of the project. This includes living quarters to serve as a guest suite and potential quarters in the future for the owner's aging parents, thus ADA criteria has to be implemented.

The major challenge is not to overpower the wooded, sloping site with the large floor area required. It has to blend gracefully with its surroundings and capture the morning sun, as well as take advantage of the alternate views of the site, captured and enjoyed in the different spaces at different times of the day or seasons of the year. The home is to have contemporary spaces while giving a feeling of coziness and surprise.

The splayed plan arranges a private master suite and office on one side of the main living spaces. These living spaces form a transition area, or "hinge," separating the master suite from the guest suite. This splayed plan allows development of an entry sequence: the visitor feels like he or she is entering a cozy cottage but, once inside, the space gradually explodes revealing the contrast of light and views not apparent at first but a delight to discover.[[In-content Ad]]