L I V E / W O R K: 2309 Park Street

The client, a single professional man, wanted simple and durable buildings for living and working on his 50 x100 lot. He envisioned a project that would be sympathetic in scale and materials to adjacent structures in his eclectic neighborhood where older bungalows and apartment buildings mingle with small businesses and new three story townhouses. Most importantly, he needed space for his diverse collection of ten thousand books --- a collection that continues to grow. He wanted separate live/work buildings of similar character—the idea of physically leaving one realm and entering another, surrounded by books.

Two shed roof volumes—a two-story house (1,800 square feet) and a one-story work building (800 square feet) share an entry courtyard and are laced together with interior and exterior circulation paths. Books are the focus of every room: in the conference area at the end of the courtyard/office axis, flanking the house entry hall, along bedroom edges, and lining the 36 feet of living and dining space. The second floor living/dining area takes advantage of treetop and sky views. A band of high north windows follow the rhythm of bookshelves and deep overhangs protect openings on the south and west. Materials such as hardiplank, concrete, metal, and granite provide durable exterior and interior living and working surfaces.

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