SubscribeSign In
w
Collection by William Harrison
Editor’s Pick

Bold Suburban Homes

Despite facing scrutiny from zoning boards and conservative neighbors, these homes defy the formulaic connotations of suburban architecture.

View 6 Photos
George Nelson's book Tomorrow's House, classic Neutra homes, and the contemporary architecture from the sunny state of California's all provided inspiration for Peter Bracher's personal Genesis Project.
George Nelson's book Tomorrow's House, classic Neutra homes, and the contemporary architecture from the sunny state of California's all provided inspiration for Peter Bracher's personal Genesis Project.
The property is not just steep, but also narrow, which limited the type of scenery and sunlight the previous addition's rooms enjoyed. Kennon engineered the west side of the new house to zigzag inward, permitting both south- and west-facing windows in each section. The slanted western windows also tilt slightly north, which brings in more light. “That’s how you can get winter sun and afternoon sun into the house, whereas previously the addition didn’t have any relationship to the sun,” Kennon explains.
The property is not just steep, but also narrow, which limited the type of scenery and sunlight the previous addition's rooms enjoyed. Kennon engineered the west side of the new house to zigzag inward, permitting both south- and west-facing windows in each section. The slanted western windows also tilt slightly north, which brings in more light. “That’s how you can get winter sun and afternoon sun into the house, whereas previously the addition didn’t have any relationship to the sun,” Kennon explains.
Finding a home in the Cincinnati suburb of Wyoming was easy for this well-traveled family. The tricky part was reimagining and renovating the space to match their desired aesthetic. But, after four years, the house was transformed into the family’s modern oasis.
Finding a home in the Cincinnati suburb of Wyoming was easy for this well-traveled family. The tricky part was reimagining and renovating the space to match their desired aesthetic. But, after four years, the house was transformed into the family’s modern oasis.
Turning its back to the street and next-door apartment like a curled-up cat, the long, narrow house spills out sideways to the garden, designed by landscape architect Andrea Cochran.
Turning its back to the street and next-door apartment like a curled-up cat, the long, narrow house spills out sideways to the garden, designed by landscape architect Andrea Cochran.
Strategic site planning and smart technology help the 3,200-square-foot Great Gulf Active House achieve hyper-efficiency. The Toronto-based architecture firm, superkül, used triple-glazed windows; a solar hot water system; zoned heating; a fully automated HVAC system, skylights, and roller shades; LED lights; and spray foam insulation, among other green strategies.
Strategic site planning and smart technology help the 3,200-square-foot Great Gulf Active House achieve hyper-efficiency. The Toronto-based architecture firm, superkül, used triple-glazed windows; a solar hot water system; zoned heating; a fully automated HVAC system, skylights, and roller shades; LED lights; and spray foam insulation, among other green strategies.