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ADDITION TO AN EXISTING ORDER

The main objective of this project is to explore the diagrammatic analysis of existing systems and patterns of the Smith House, designed in 1965 by Richard Meier. The use of metaphors and analogies are used to strengthen design ideas and express cultural values.  

Contextual Fit

Narrative

The Wilson family is moving from New York City to the Smith House on the shore of Long Island Sound. The new owner of this house, Mrs. Wilson, a mellitologist and an apiologist is passionate about saving bees and building a healthier environment. She has a large family and wants a new addition that stands out from the existing house and will respect the integrity of the original design. There will be an exercise room, a family room, and a master suite which will provide the additional space required by the large family.

The entire family is very enthusiastic about fitness and would like a large exercise room with an excellent view of the outdoors. Every day the whole family would love to gather together to start the day with an exercise session. As a bee enthusiast, Mrs. Wilson wants the new addition to reflect her passion for saving bees. Above the exercise room, there will be a pollinator habitat/rooftop garden with a balcony in the shape of a honeycomb, where they all can get some fresh air and relax. 

meier-partners-smith-house-01.jpg

Meta Idea & Hierarchy

The honeycomb reflects Mrs. Wilson’s passion and love for bees and their environment. Although Mrs. Wilson is very passionate about her career, she values having a healthy lifestyle with her family. The most important space is the exercise room and its significance is articulated by its size and shape. 

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Sorting of Spaces

Public

Exercise Room

​

Rooftop Garden & Balcony

 

Family Room

Group

Exercise Room

​

Rooftop Garden & Balcony

 

Family Room

Loud

Exercise Room

​

Rooftop Garden & Balcony

 

Family Room

Private

Master Bedroom

​

Master Bath

Individual

Master Bedroom

​

Master Bath

Quiet

Master Bedroom

​

Master Bath

Contextual Analysis

Existing Floor Plans

Lower Level 

Entry Level 

Upper Level 

P2 Existing Floor Plans pdf_edited.jpg
Existing Floor Plan Analysis 
2_edited.jpg

New Floor Plan Analysis

Circ&Struc_edited_edited.jpg
Circ&Struc_edited.jpg

Lower Level

Entry Level

Upper Level

Enclo_edited.jpg
Enclo_edited_edited.jpg

Entry Level

Upper Level

Hier_edited_edited.jpg
Hier_edited.jpg

Entry Level

Preliminary Design 

The shift method was used to add to the existing building without destroying it.

Prelim Design.jpg
Prelim Design 2.jpg

Final Design

meta 1.jpg
Incorporation of Existing Systems:
  • Parapet & Bearing Walls

  • Mullions & Window Openings

  • Columns & Girders

  • Railings & Stairs

cute bee poses.jpg
meta 2.jpg
New Systems:
  • Melnikov's or Honeycomb Windows

  • Tilted Parapet Walls

  • Hexagonal Deck

  • Front Balcony

beecomic.jpg
Smith House TP.gif

Transformation Process

Floor Plans

FP Lower Level.jpg

Lower Level

Lower

Patio

Dining

Room

Bedroom

Bath

Kitchen

FP Entry Level.jpg

Upper

Patio

Living

Room

Open

to

Below

Bedroom

CL

Bath

Exercise

Room

Family

Room

Deck

Entry Level

FP Upper Level.jpg

Closet

Bath

Upper Level

Exercise

Room

Master

Bedroom

Master

Bath

Bedroom

Bedroom

Bedroom

Office

Opening

to

Living Room

Balcony

Elevations

NorthE.jpg

North Elevation

SouthE.jpg

South Elevation

EastE.jpg

East Elevation

WestE.jpg

West Elevation

2D Sections

LongS1.jpg

Longitudinal Section 1

LongS2.jpg

Longitudinal Section 2

3D Rendered Sections

3DR1_edited.jpg
3DR8.jpg
3DR4 Colored.jpg

3D Interior Renderings

3DIR.jpg

3D Exterior Renderings

3DER.jpg
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