Project Specifications
- Project Name: Suspension House
- Project Architect: Fougeron Architecture
- Project Year: 2022
- Project Area: 2500 sq. ft
- Project Location: United States
- Contractor: Barry Builders
- Manufacturers: Stone Fleury, RHEINZINK, Poliform, Sky-Frame, Agape, Corian, Rimadesio, Hunter Douglas
- Structural Engineer: Endres Studio
- Civil Engineer: Adobe Associates, Inc.
- Landscape Architect: Ground Studio
- Lighting Consultant: Dan Dodt
- Geotechnical Engineer: Rockridge Geotechnical
Suspension House by Fougeron Architecture spans across an entire creek and opens up to the magnificent views of the natural landscaping. The house is suspended between two hills of California and forming the backdrop for the house is a waterfall in its backyard.
The design of the suspension house by Fougeron Architecture is the perfect blend of the site context, a creative vision, and a matchless skillset. This dwelling was designed as a weekend getaway home for a family of a couple and their child. It’s a modern update on a 1970s home that extends to two stories and nestles within the two beautiful hills.
As per the latest rules in California state, suspension of homes over the creek isn’t considered legal anymore which is why the extension of the suspension house followed strategic planning that used the existing structure as its guiding point for the overall design. The latest design proposed by Fougeron architecture follows the former outline with a solid house and open decks.
The Suspension House by Fougeron architecture is housed in a unique landscape setting. The original design had to be equipped with structural additions in order to support the load designed as per the proposal. The built-up barely touches the ground, rather, it boasts the neighboring water bodies and rocky terrain via its design.
The new structural additions to the building are anchored to the bedrock and are carefully planned to avoid disturbing the creek. The sturdy supports allow this home to stay suspended over the water and make it look light on the site. The floating essence of the suspension house is further enhanced by opting for transparent materials and floor-to-ceiling windows. The see-through floors and concept of adding outdoor spaces make the built environment even more blended with the natural scenery.
The extension of the property over the third floor was made possible by eliminating the formed columns from the creek bed and installing a steel structure underneath the floor. This support was perceived as a design element and made visible on all levels of the house.
While the lower floors of the structure follow the exact orientation of the existing house, the newer addition of the third floor is rotated by an angle of 90 degrees in order to establish a deeper connection with the site. This tilt introduced in the Suspension House by Fougeron architecture breaks the bulkiness of the mass and offers levity to the design along with adding to the height.
On the top, a steel frame sits as a roof and makes this suspension house feel more like home along with creating a dynamic interior space flooding with natural light. The interiors of the suspension house by Fougeron architecture follow a simple language with highlighted structural elements and comparatively darker tones filling up the rooms. Staircase and kitchen are composed of a deeper mood board whereas the floors, ceilings, and walls are kept muted.
Overall, one enters the world of simplicity that forms a connection with the outer setting even though one stays enclosed within the house.
“A human-made object in nature may exist in harmony or disparity. Our goal was to deepen this home’s connection to the environment, creating a place where our clients can live immersed within an exceptional landscape. Taking care to protect and restore the land, we suspended the renovated house between two wooded hills, where it overlooks a rushing waterfall and spans the creek below,” mentioned the team at Fougeron Architecutre.
The deep-hued zinc cladding on the facade of the suspension house and long stretch of windows compose geometry with neat lines and complement the natural essence embedded within the site. The planning of the house segregates private rooms from public areas.
“Transparent materials, and carefully considered sight lines merge the home with this dramatic landscape. The two lower floors stay studiously within the confines of the original building; yet the minimal glass volumes, steeped in the surrounding beauty, feel more expansive than ever,” mentioned the designers.
The lower level of the house compose a utility room along with guest bedrooms. As one steps up to the middle floor, there’s an open kitchen sitting within the dining and living room of the house. The top floor of the suspension house is designed to be the master suite along with a bedroom and flex room.
The classic approach with black and white color scheme of the house speak a language of contemporary decor. The rooms are composed of stone flooring with a modern flair that embrace the exposed beams and columns layout. Different levels of the house are well-connected through an indoor and outdoor staircase. The top roof of the house is lined with photovoltaic panels which takes the design towards a sustainable direction.
Apart from the main design of the suspension house by Fougeron architecture, the designers also developed a guest cottage next to the main structure. The team at Fougeron architecture takes up a project with a strong commitment to the design principles, clear picture of design thoughts, and believes in the quality of detailing and architectural works.
The firm operates on modernist attitude in order to strike a balance between a design concept and the final built volume. Every project including the suspension house by Fougeron architecture has a thoughtful consideration of structural elements, natural light, and the site context.
Conclusion
‘This design serves as the best example of how the right architectural approach can make the built environment merge with the surrounding context for a sense of seamlessness in design. It makes architecture seem like a part of the bigger picture rather than standing as an alien element on the land.’This design serves as the best example of how the right architectural approach can make the built environment merge with the surrounding context for a sense of seamlessness in design. It makes architecture seem like a part of the bigger picture rather than standing as an alien element on the land.
Fougeron architecture team approached this design with sensitivity where nature was regarded as the core feature that shouldn’t be disturbed. The entire geometry and form of the suspension house took shape along these guiding lines to develop a one-of-its-kind design that’s not only comfrotable to reside in but composes a soothing picturesque for the eyes.
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