The Chester House is a 1350 square foot (gross) house. It forms part of the ongoing research into the problem of designing the modest, affordable house.
It is an upside-down house with living upstairs and sleeping below. A lantern-like glass entry bite contains a perforated steel stair which links the two floors. The origami-like stair is constructed of folded steel plate for stiffness.
The base is clad in 2-inch “matchbook” cedar shiplap. The upper Corten steel sleeve appears to slide over the wood base. The minimalist detailing of the eaves, the corners, and the openings are best practices for our practice.
The plan part of “a house inside a house,” like a Ukrainian doll, refers back to the architect’s apprenticeship with Charles Moore some 40 years ago. The discipline of the plan and elevations are critical to our work. On both floors, the interstitial space between the Corten skin and the interior cedar room contains secondary functions of: stair, kitchen, study, porch, sleeping lofts, baths, storage, and hearth.
Inside and outside all openings are aligned in a pinwheel composition, which creates a dynamic, modern facade within a simple, classic, primary form.
Photography: James Brittain