The two critical requirements for this house were that it fit a family of two adults and four young children, and that it take advantage of its hillside view north across the city spreading out below.
The living area-living room and family room-kitchen-is on the upper level where large windows open it up to the view. The entrance is midway between the floors. The lower floor is the sleeping floor, with bedrooms facing the view. Grouped on the side against the hill are baths and heater, storage, and utility rooms.
Kitchen work, family dining, and informal living are all in one large room. Beyond this room's fireplace wall and isolated from the rest of the house is the more formal living room with its own secluded, roofed terrace. There is no formal dining room. The owners set up a buffet at one end of the livingroom for dinner parties. They felt isolation from the noisy activities of the children was worth more than closeness to the kitchen.
A feature of the plan is a children's corner with storage for outdoor clothing, toys, and other gear next to the kitchen and the door to the play terrace.
Family room is tied to kitchen closely, but is screened by a high counter. Big dining table hidden by the counter.
From downhill the large windows of the living area are above the deck; bedroom windows below. Terrace at left.
Master bedroom is fitted out as study and sitting room. Desk and bookshelves are out of photo to left.
Large bedroom for two boys is 10 by 21 feet. Built-in desk-and-drawers at one end; huge closets cover other end.
0 Comments