high meadow dwellings by bohlin cywinski jackson

bohlin cywinski jackson has completed four dwellings at high meadow, the new home base for fallingwater institute’s summer residency programs in architecture, art, and design. located on a historic farm adjacent to frank lloyd wright’s renowned pennsylvania residence, the site’s original 1960s cabin was deemed too small to meet the institute’s growing demands. consequently, after exploring a variety of design options, it was decided to double the property’s capacity.

all images by nic lehoux, courtesy of bohlin cywinski jackson

in order to reduce the project’s physical footprint, bohlin cywinski jackson elected to rest the four new abodes above ground on a network of nimble steel columns. each of the units offer framed views of the surrounding hilltops, and contain a desk, closet storage, full bathroom, and two twin beds. internally, the scheme’s durable materials and finishes have been pared back in order to lend a ‘sparse elegance’ to the space.

a communal area offers views across the rural surroundings

‘the building’s main entry welcomes visitors into a central screened porch, which joins the new architecture to an existing cabin and serves as the outdoor gathering and dining space,’ says bill james, project architect from BCJ’s pittsburgh office. ‘a horizontal screen, made of norway spruce harvested and milled on site, extends from the main cabin and continues along the walkway leading to the dwellings.’

made of norway spruce, a horizontal screen was harvested and milled on site

the project received the 2016 AIA pennsylvania silver medal, with the jury stating: ‘the scale and materiality of the building is in great contrast to the beautiful background. the graceful addition to the existing structure successfully provides new public and private amenities.’ fallingwater institute will begin its second season of increased operation in spring 2017.

the device extends from the main cabin and continues along the walkway