Open and dynamic, the alterations and additions at the Dancing House, work in elegant counterpoint to the existing cellular Californian Bungalow. Inspired by the Client’s fondness for tranquil, forested clearings, the interplay between the new and existing frames three courtyards which orchestrate an unfolding engagement with the nuances of nature and the site.
Project Name: Dancing House
Studio Name: Craig Tan Architects
Project size: 70 m2
Completion date: 2016
Location: California
Photography: Jaime Diaz-Berrio
Imbued with characteristic monikers such as the sun terrace, bridge, and forest courtyard, these courtyards, when fully landscaped and planted with trees, will invite the Clients to interact with the site in all its diverse aspects, whilst providing abundant daylight and cross ventilation.
Lending subtle definition and intimacy to the new open plan living spaces, a pleated roof plane structure lined with grey stained plywood hovers over the living areas, integrates the carport, and provides an implicit link to the rhythm of the existing roof. Catering to a disabled client, a new accessible bathroom and kitchen have been provided linked by skillfully integrated ramps throughout the key threshold spaces.
A feature timber screen to the external ramp addresses the urban scale of the street by working in counterpoint to the mass of the existing house, whilst also providing protection to the sun terrace.
