Project description from From pbc+l Architecture:
Our client, who is in this case the project contractor, has a passion for building things, for spending time outdoors, and for his Harley Davidson. He asked that we design for him a house modeled after a copy of tobacco barn. We responded by designing a house influenced by the simplicity and economy of the vernacular model, yet spirited in composition and refined in detail. The proportions of the tobacco barn model are clearly evident in the end elevations of the house.
The M House is a small retreat (2800 s.f.) designed specifically for the lifstyle of its single male occupant. It is both masculine and expensive of its construction systems. With the exception of a cleared power line right of way, the site is heavily wooded. Access to the house is on a private drive cut through the forest. The house is oriented on the site with the living room and covered porch facing downhill towards a distant creek. this view be enhanced by selective clearing. The parking court and informal entry are the uphill side of the slope.
The program is organized on three levels. The basement level, which opens up onto grade, contains the workshop, a laundry room, a bathroom and the mechanical room. The main floor contains the two storey living room, the open kitchen/dining room, a half bath, and a pantry. The upper floor contains the master bedroom, a walk-in dressing closet, a btahroom, and ladder access to a small sleeping loft. Operable pivoting panels open the bedroom up to the living below.
The M House will be framed with exposed woods posts and beams. The exterior walls are designed with structural, insulated panels. As in the tobacco barn model, painted wood battens are used to cover vertical construction joints and to provide visual texture to the facades. The roof will be standing seam galvanized metal. The chimney and fireplace will be stone.
