taylor and miller architecture combines two materials to form the lake house

taylor and miller architecture combines two materials to form the lake house
image © studio dubuisson
all images courtesy of taylor and miller architecture and design

brooklyn-based practice taylor and miller architecture and design has recently completed the lake house in western massachusetts within a scenic landscape at water’s edge. the home is designed conceptually and physically by the interplay of two elements. conceptually, it offers contrasting experiences from the main street and on the lake side. at the public entrance, the home only shows the abstract white chimneys that emerge at various heights and angles from the ground without windows or doors- a sculpture in a landscape. as one moves towards the lake the house unfolds itself revealing the various large openings that frame views of the water and opposite shore. from the interior, the chimneys reveal themselves to be light wells that provide glimpses of the sky as they filter natural light into the public spaces. materials play a large role in defining the range of experiences in the interior as well. exposed concrete, various metals, wood and stark white walls compose rich dramatic spaces with views to the lake and sky.  
view from the street
image © studio dubuisson

gravel covered driveway overlooks sunken patio
image © studio dubuisson

the construction is based on the relationship between two contrasting materials and how they work with the site to bring the spatial concept to fruition. 4×4 wooden posts are used to form retaining walls at gentle angles that frame the footprint of the home and create a clear boundary between the higher grade at street level and the more private area at the lake’s edge below. through this timber plinth, the stark white forms puncture through at certain calculated points to create the various apertures.

water-side view
image © studio dubuisson

image © studio dubuisson

image © studio dubuisson

image © studio dubuisson

image © studio dubuisson

image © studio dubuisson

image © studio dubuisson

steel kitchen elevation
image © studio dubuisson

image © studio dubuisson

concrete, steel and white walls form rich interior spaces
image © studio dubuisson

wood-clad interior
image © studio dubuisson

image © studio dubuisson

interior of the light well
image © studio dubuisson

image © studio dubuisson

image © studio dubuisson

image © studio dubuisson

image © studio dubuisson

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