Crystal Tree House
The house design is a response to a difficult site – undersized (40’X100’), narrow, with a very steep drop from the street, "unbuildable" lot - and a minimal budget. As well as to preserve and experience the 100’+ oak trees on the site. Include 4-5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and separation between the Master Suite (Level 4) and the childrens' bedrooms (Levels 1 &2). The site is 5 minutes and one light fromWashington, DC. Concept: A small footprint (900 sf) cmu tower surrounded by trees with a bridge entry, as an escape from the “City” into “Nature”. To preserve the trees and for budget, the house was built in phases, over several years. The solution is also a result of zoning restrictions, tree locations and topo. The house is in scale with it's neighbors with two stories above street level. The house was pushed back for a timber parking trestle, "public court" ~15’ above grade.
A bridge to the house at the third floor reflects the primary north-south axis of the lot and accentuates the transition from the “city” to “nature”. The CMU Piers evokes a greater sense of shelter, a fortress/Castle of sorts from the “City” as well. The house becomes more private above and below the entry level. A more private stone terrace under the bridge is at the second floor. The 4-story tower rear and sides open to the trees. The tower is comprised of 4 – 4 story cmu piers and 4 – 4 story glass corners, each with a different scale and solar orientation and view of the trees. A center tower stair holds these elements together. .The economical elements include: 16"x4"x4" custom color cmu towers for a dialogue with tree trunks, standard double- hung windows and the parking trestle utilizes 2"x6" decking maintaining water permeability for ground and trees