Most people may think this home/workplace is a little stark and cold, but I really like the museum feel. Of course I would have to throw a little color around. But wow, I could wake up and have breakfast in this house every day. More info, pics, and link after the jump.

The scheme placed first in the competition of ten Swiss-American team’s designs for the replacement of the Washington D.C. residence of the Swiss Ambassador. It is not only to be a private house but also a cultural gathering place on which standards and self-image of a country are measured. Sited on a hill with a direct view through the trees to the Washington monument in the distance, a diagonal line of overlapping spaces drawn through a cruciform courtyard plan was the conceptual starting point. Official arrival spaces and ceremony spaces are connected along this diagonal line on the first level, while private living quarter functions are on the level above. Materials are charcoal integral color concrete trimmed in local slate and sand-blasted structural glass planks. Constructed according to Swiss “Minergie Standard”, the south facades use passive solar energy. The roof is a “sedum” green roof with PVC panels. The existing natural landscape will be clarified with new walkways and trees, while the plateau of the residence defines an arrival square: a reception courtyard and an herb garden with sub-floor wiring flexibilities.

STEVEN HOLL ARCHITECTS

Last Modified : April 17th, 2008 Filed under : Modern Homes, Modern Interiors Navigate : Previous post / Next post