The design emerges from the need to preserve the front, the visible streetscape — while the back is freed of those constraints. The house is split in two, maintaining a Victorian half, and inserting a house in the back that addresses a more contemporary lifestyle. One house with two lifestyles.

The south facing (contemporary) front is articulated differently along the three levels. While the glazing is aligned on the top two levels, the skin of the building moves forward on the third level creating shade for both. Like a football player, or Bedouins in the desert, the black liner acts as “Kohl” or black eyeliner; the material helps to dampen glare, while taking advantage of the southern orientation for needed heat. On the second level the glazing is flush with the exterior, however with the lowering of the lid, the interior space gains privacy. The cut, or the open space between the two houses, allows maximum cross ventilation for both houses. It also provides light to the deep floorplate.

Southeast view from the adjacent court.