A 1956 splendid looking home from Lexington, Massachusetts.

Five Star 2608 is planned freely and openly around a "standardized mechanical core" a kitchen wall and two bathrooms. Blocks of space that work of the core are 12x12x8 feet. Based on a module of 12 feet, one block of space is called "X," so size of house is described as core plus (so many) "X." 


Orderliness in design and assembly of post-and-beam system of construction in modular scheme is solidly apparent in this full view across the rear of this house. Posts and beams are repeated every 12 feet. This symmetry allows builder the economy of precutting material to sizes set by this 12-foot module. Terrace has floor and roof, eventually becomes full-time living space.



Night view of the front underlines time-honored simplicity of post-and-beam construction, brought up to date in today's building trends. Glass, vertical wood siding, or combination form 12-foot walls between posts and beams. Entrance comes under cover of 8-foot overhang, which continues in lesser depths around house. 



Space around the core is not limited in use by this central location of plumbing and heating. Wall of kitchen at right stacks shelves that are open to both kitchen and dining side.



Kitchen side of core backs dishwater and sink to bathroom plumbing. Washer and dryer may locate here as well. Lipped rift-fir-faced doors give kitchen warmth of wood tone, effectively set off by white framing, counter tops and appliances.


Core confines mechanical parts of house to center of plan and post-and-beam system requires no set partitions. Rewarding result is total living area here. This openness is complete even to including covered terrace beyond sliding glass doors. Center door is to storage room, also reached from outside.


Now, see how glass is scaled to full width and height of module (12 feet wide, 8 feet high). Dining room is true X unit of space (12x12x8). But spaciousness isn't confined within there modular dimensions that are multiplied by the great expanse of glass and penness. Warm colors make the open plan more intimate.


ARCHITECT: The Architects Collaborative
AREA: 1,590 square feet
DIMENSIONS: 58x40 feet 

0 Comments