A simple, sunfilled space, built to showcase materials and building systems, not to mention a short commute to work.
+ Continue ReadingA simple, sun filled space, built to showcase materials and building systems, not to mention a short commute to work.
A comfortable, sun filled space were a few things that were missing when Kevin Browne Architecture’s office was located in downtown Yarmouth. The commute from his home in Falmouth to the office was also a downside. Sure it was only 25 minutes, but why not shorten that to 10’ if it was possible. It was possible and Kevin Browne was able to create a space on his property that answered all his objectives and more.
The result was a simple, comfortable, sun-filled, energy-efficient space that showcases Browne’s style of mixing the new and old in form and materials. Browne teamed up with Dan Meyer of Meyer Development Solutions to construct this 16’x24’ structure in a cost effective way. The floor plan was kept wide open with a cathedral ceiling. There was a full daylight garage below the office for overflow storage for the adjacent home. There is a few things are that were used to define the spaces, the first was a small portion of the open plan carved out for a small ¾ bath. Douglass fir wood beams were also used to help lower the feel of the tall ceiling. The warmth of natural, rough-cut wood ceiling was also to help the cozy feeling of this space. The douglass fir beams were also used to frame out an area above the work area that support a 8’x11’ net, that can be used for overflow sleeping or just a fun place for the kids to hangout and read a book if their dad was working late one night.
The simple, understated trim on the interior was done to not highlight the oversized Low-E windows that show-off the beautiful features of this rural property in West Falmouth. PV solar panels on the south facing roof help to offset the electrical load of the house as well as totally offsetting the heating and cooling loads of the office. A blower door test was done of the space prior to completion and an infrared camera was used to make sure all the air leakage areas were sealed up.
Over the past year this studio has been instrumental in showing off some of the practices and building systems of Kevin Browne Architecture and will be for many more years to come.
