Hive

“We believe strongly in togetherness and the breaking of bread with our friends and family. We wish for lots of light, open space, and connection with the outdoors.” This response to a question we ask every client before starting a project led down the unexpected path of reimagining the classic American Ranch house for modern living in a new build called ‘Hive’. Ranch houses, or ramblers, were ultimately about sunshine and informal indoor/outdoor living. Visually they were often characterized by their low, linear profile, asymmetrical courtyard plans, separated living and sleeping areas, vaulted main living areas, mixed exterior materials and large glass doors to outdoor patios. The homeowners purchased the unconventionally shaped flag lot because of its large size and privacy despite its proximity to urban amenities. We used this unique shape and privacy to create a home that extends out into the landscape, stretching out to guide friends and family into the embrace of the courtyard style plan. While traditional ranch homes had low pitched roofs, ‘Hive’ features a gabled volume to signify the entrance and main living area, flanked by flat roofs to maintain the low, linear profile and meet the strict zoning height restriction of the area.