Contextual Fit

Contextual
Fit

The objective of this project was to design an extension to the Long Island Sound "Smith House" designed by Richard Meier in 1965. While designing we had to respect the structure and its surroundings. The design started by analyzing the various systems of the original structure and the different systems that the house contains, like its masses, and function.

Narrative

A famous English movie director has recently bought the Smiths House, originally designed by architect Richard Meier in 1965. He loves the design of the house, however, since he’s far away from home he desires to build an extension. He loves having a private movie screening at his home, where he can sit and watch with his family. Since the house's original design is so open, he would also like to have an outdoor area on the top floor, where he can sit and relax.

Original Floor Plan

Floor Plan Analysis

Sorting Of Space

Public

Family Room

Exercise Room

Outdoor Area

Loud

Family Room

Exercise Room

Outdoor Area

Open

Outdoor Area

Private

Master Suite

Quiet

Master Suite

Closed

Family Room

Exercise Room

Master Suite

Hierarchy: Family Room

Contextual Analysis

Preliminary Drawings

Family Room

Master Room

Exercise Room

Bearing Wall

Girder

Circulation

Floor Plate

Preliminary Drawing/ Meta Narrative

The English director wanted this extension of the Smiths House to have a connection with what he loves, which is directing. The idea was to implement a directors cutting board into the design of the build.