Guest House for a Private Residence
Residential
Located in an established neighborhood, the Cedarcroft Guest House is a place to host visitors and events, support the use of the adjacent pool, and serve as a focal piece for the overall residential property.
Awards Year | 2024
Project Statement
Design Problem -
To create a Guesthouse and Carport to complete an existing residence rear of site pool and courtyard area.
Design Solution -
The design is the third in a series of studies utilizing similar architectural forms and materials for this site, dating back more than 20 years. Its predecessors are the existing main house structure and, the first project of the three and the catalyst for all following project on site, a design competition winning treehouse resting at the upper overlook area of the site. The treehouse was designed and installed at Nashville’s Cheekwood Botanical Gardens as part of their “Terrific Treehouses” competition many years ago.
The Guest House pulls architectural elements from its companions, creating a dialogue between the structures by their placement, use of materiality and architectural movements.
In addition to reflecting the architecture of the main house and treehouse, the Guesthouse project utilizes native materials to this area and incorporates the use of salvaged brick, stone and locally harvested timber. The owner’s goals were to fulfill and complete the property’s projects in a thoughtful manner, to challenge standard residential architecture of this neighborhood and to provide an opportunity to inspire visitors to think beyond typically understood residential construction types in this particular region.
Framework for Design Excellence Narrative
Resources - Recycled content listings on new materials was a priority with locally harvested wood (other than basic framing lumber) used for exposed beams and interior wall finishes. Existing below-grade water/septic systems were used from part of original construction of the primary residence. In addition, salvaged materials from previous projects were used in an effort to mitigate costs and not add to the landfill. In addition, Red Grandis Eucalyptus wood was used for all exterior deck railings in concert with stainless steel cable railing, crafted and installed by the architect. Red Grandis is known to grow 20 meters per year, making it a highly sustainable material.
Economy -Although designed for the immediate use as a guest house and support for the pool function, this project was designed with longevity in mind and future uses. The project studies opportunities in tiny home design and the traditional “mother-in-law” suite and challenges the limitations of square footage while maintaining elevated design. This addition allows for future adaptability as owners can utilize it for personal use, rented out for passive income, or become a spare independent housing for elderly parents or adult children.
Well-Being - Multiple operable windows have been intentionally included with cross-ventilation strategies for low-use of HVAC systems during favorable weather. Large expanses of glazing to the southeast is included with wide overhanging roof lines to reduce direct sunlight throughout a given day. Furthermore, the project strongly connects the user to outdoor spaces, both shared and private balcony space. The architecture points to the treehouse and main house beyond, tying the elements into a community.
LEED/Green Certifications
Photo Captions
1. Night view of the main entrance to the Guest House.
2. Property Map and Site Plan.
3. Floor Plans and Sustainable / Locally Sourced Material Images.
4. Context Images - Drone Photo of the site and an image of “The Tree Hugger” treehouse.
5. Backyard overview of existing residence, treehouse, and new Guest House.
6. The Guest House creates a communal backyard space and provides flexibility for events and future use.
7. Exterior elevation showcasing the study of form and material.
8. Dusk at the Guest House.
9. The approach from the drive to the Guest House. The rainwater diverter detail is celebrated from this perspective, as well as another unique view of the form of building.
10. Every detail of the Guest House was thought out - the railing, the lighting, the beams, the flooring, the custom-built cabinetry.
11. The spiral staircase is a focal piece from the interior but also from the exterior by its stacked stone facade moment.
12. Dusk at the Guest House.
