Contextual Fit

The Smith House

By Richard Meier

The Smith House, built amidst the rocks and trees of a one-and-a-half-acre site, overlooks Long Island Sound from the Connecticut coast. A dense cluster of evergreens stands at the entrance to the property. Behind, the land clears and rises to the center of the site, then drops sharply to the rocky shoreline and a small, sandy cove.

Contextual Fit

The Smith Family has commissioned you to design an addition to their house on the shore of Long Island Sound. The original house, designed in 1965 by architect Richard Meier, has been widely published and is internationally known. Unfortunately, the Owners needs have change since the original design, thereby warranting this architectural intervention. The Owner specifically request that the integrity of the original design be respected, yet the new addition should have its own presence.

REQUIREMENTS:

Master Suite, (duplex arrangement)
- Master Bedroom, 200 S.F.
- Master Bath, 80 S.F.
- Walk-in-closets, as required
- Exercise Room, 180 S.F. (not on same floor as bedroom)
Family Room, 300 S.F.
Formal Outdoor Area, 300 S.F. (i.e. deck, roof garden, etc.)

Contextual Analysis

Narrative

Ranking

Sarah and Chris Stevens are the new proud owners of the iconic Smith House designed by Richard Meier back in the early 60’s. But before they move in they wished to have an addition made on the house to fulfill some of their needs that the original design doesn't cover. While still keeping the integrity of the original design. Both Sarah and Chris are photographers and appreciate nature and natural light. Sarah is also a yoga enthusiast and wishes to have nice sun lit area where she can perform relaxing yoga in the morning with the sun rising over the bay. Along with this room Chris and Sarah would like a sauna connected to the yoga space. Chris and his wife demand to have a large master suite accompanied by a master bathroom and a full walk-in closet. They also have 2 young boys and wish to have a large open family room with a fireplace to spend time together. lastly Chris would like a decently sized deck facing the water. Somewhere to handle business on his laptop and have a cup of coffee.