choy house by o'neill rose architects unites three dwellings into one

choy house by o’neill rose architects unites three dwellings into one
photo © michael moran/OTTO
all images courtesy of o’neill rose architects

in order to accommodate three related families all under the same roof on a small suburban lot in queens, new york, ‘the choy house’ has been configured as three disparate dwellings with areas for potential connection. designed by o’neill rose architects, the building is composed as two distinct parts; both of which feature standing-seam clad gable roofs, but oriented perpendicular to one another. the rear, wood volume is occupied by the client, his wife, and two children, while the front volume – treated in white – has been designated for the client’s brother and sister-in-law. additionally, the client’s mother lives in the lowest floor of the back portion of the house, which opens to a terraced garden.

a narrow white volume approaches the street in the suburban area of queens, new york
photo © michael moran/OTTO

the resulting composition reflects the extended family’s relationship, by configuring the dwellings to be separate while allowing for areas of connectivity and overlap. the lowest level acts as the primary connecting floor and communal area for the three families, containing the primary family room opening to an outdoor patio.

varying exterior materials distinguish disparate dwellings
photo © michael moran/OTTO

large windows face the site’s back garden, while opening to decks on the ground and middle floors as well as roof level
photo © michael moran/OTTO

the ground floor’s living room serves as a primary gathering space for the extended family
photo © michael moran/OTTO

for purposes of efficiency, the project utilizes various excess materials in the possession of the client, who is a builder that specializes in residential construction. these include, specifically, stair treads cut in half from leftover 6 x 12 wood beams, and specially-designed light fixtures in the dining room made from scrap metal pieces.

photo © michael moran/OTTO

translucent walls line the home’s staircases to provide some privacy between levels
photo © michael moran/OTTO

the terraced garden provides a quiet and communal outdoor area
photo © michael moran/OTTO

photo © michael moran/OTTO

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project info:

location: flushing, queens, NY, USA
square footage: 2,700 sf
architecture: o’neill rose architects
contractor: MC 2
photography: michael moran/OTTO