UK-based firm Snook Architects designed the 'Westmorland House,' a suburban home located just outside of Liverpool for a middle-aged couple.
The exterior is clad in a dark brickwood, while the interior features exposed concrete. The home allows for plenty of light through the double-height entrance and lobby, as well as a skylight that transforms an entire corridor. The architects explain, "Bricks were used to accentuate the cantilevering nature of the solid void over the glazed ground floor corner and emphasize the horizontal proportions of the design."
The lobby encourages a natural divide throughout the rest of the home. The main living and dining spaces are entered through the left, while the garage, study and access to the second floor is found on the right. The architects intended the double-height quality of the lobby entrance to be a surprise upon entry, as it is completely concealed from the front of the house.
Deceptive Double-Height Homes
This Suburban Home Conceals a Double-Height Lobby
Trend Themes
1. Double-height Homes - The trend of incorporating double-height spaces in residential architecture offers opportunities for innovative designs and spatial experiences.
2. Dark Brickwood Cladding - The use of dark brickwood as an exterior cladding material presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the construction industry, offering a modern alternative to traditional brick or wood finishes.
3. Exposed Concrete Interiors - The trend of incorporating exposed concrete in interior design provides an opportunity for innovation in creating industrial-inspired living spaces.
Industry Implications
1. Residential Architecture - The trend of double-height homes creates opportunities for architects and designers to reimagine residential spaces and enhance the visual impact of residential buildings.
2. Construction - The use of dark brickwood cladding presents opportunities for construction companies and materials suppliers to offer new and visually striking options for exterior finishes.
3. Interior Design - The trend of exposing concrete in interiors calls for innovative approaches to incorporate industrial design elements into residential spaces.