Keep
keep.archi

Austin Watanabe, AIA; Kotono Watanabe

Ardmore

This home will be available to tour in person on September 27 & 28 and on our virtual tour, available September 17–October 12.

Project Type: New Build

This project is an efficient, thoughtful new build in the North Tyrol neighborhood of Golden Valley. The facade’s palette is informed by the clients’ love of backyard bonfires. The look approximates a charred log perched on a rugged fire pit. A cedar rain screen and black board-and-batten siding complement the concrete wing-walls tying the exterior into the interior.

The home is strategically tucked into the sloped grade as an abridged split level with rear exit accessed from the back stair landing. Uneven scissor trusses provide both a symmetric and iconic roof form while still timing out with the interior wall division.

The lower level features a generous tuck-under two-car garage, den, powder room, and entry vestibule. The accent paint in the powder room wraps the small space with a warm interiority. The den ceiling is finished with an oiled maple plywood with egress windows to easily repurpose the den as a guest bedroom.

Upstairs the living, kitchen, and dining flow in sequence. Sloped ceilings add height and drama along the built-in bench and plaster fireplace by local artisans. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms are accessed from the main entertaining area through doorways flanking the kitchen cabinetry bank.  

The primary bedroom suite includes laundry within the closet.The en suite features a full shower/wash area and tub approximating a Japanese bath layout. Custom trim work was completed in oak at the pocket doors, slat wall, and stairs. The bump-in on the north end inverts the bump-out to the south providing a reading nook and articulating otherwise streamlined plans.

Framework for Design Excellence: Design for Integration

The home began with a robust concept that resonated with the clients but also set a baseline attitude about the project. The clients were as excited about a private fire pit in their backyard as they were about the house itself. We dug into this desire of sitting out under the stars that informed the basis of the exterior palette and set the course for a practical home that used simple materials to make a warm and welcoming space.

Specifically, solid oak railings, stairs, and a full-height slat wall, sourced locally, were an effective means of meeting the materiality and environmental goals while still being cost-effective. Furthermore, the architect’s practice was named Keep for focusing on keeping the best of what is already here. In this case the sloping grade was a key factor that was leveraged into the layout of the home, and became the main driver for spatial layout.

What is the AIA Framework for Design Excellence? Learn more »