Truth and honesty

Along with a growing awareness of sustainable design, today there is a noticeable trend toward a back-to-basics approach to material selection. Simple, raw materials, such as concrete, wood, steel and glass, are finding favour over more highly manufactured products and finishes.

This was exactly what the owners of this house wanted when they commissioned architect Scott Allen of Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects to design a major remodelling project.

"The owners wanted natural materials that would impart an enduring quality and a sense of permanence," says Allen. "It was almost a search for integrity, which came down to the use of simple materials and a very honest architectural style."

Allen says the owners also wanted one large open space where all the family could gather yet still be involved in a range of activities. This space needed to have a close connection to the outdoors.

The house was effectively gutted, and a series of small rooms opened up and extended. The space is now defined by the strength of its materials, which include heavy steel beams and tongue-and-groove boards on the ceiling, concrete floors and Venetian plastered walls.

"There is now almost a public scale to the height of the ceiling and the proportions of the space," Allen says. "To bring the scale down a little and create intimate areas, we introduced transom windows with a soffit below. The fireplaces and pot rack also help reduce the scale."

In keeping with the honest design approach there are no veneers the cabinetry features solid oak boards, crafted to provide a refined look.

A cast glass wall between the entrance and living room not only provides borrowed light for the main space it also creates an air of mystery about what lies beyond the entrance. Additional light is provided by a glazed stairwell.

Story by: Trendsideas