New Bern, NC (2009)
During the past two decades there has emerged a development type styled after the traditional American small town as an alternative to the typical suburban “house-in-the-middle-of-the-lot” subdivision pattern. It embodies the ideal of a village neighborhood with higher density and smaller houses; with alleyways, picket fences, gardens, raised front porches and friendly sidewalks…entities that encourage neighborly interaction and safety, yet allow for privacy and individualization. “Sidecar House” is a contemporary home designed to fit into such a context, the new urban village known as Carolina Commons.
On a narrow lot, like those of 19th century small waterfront towns, Sidecar House is proportioned to reflect and complement its unique conditions. Like its lot it is relatively long and narrow with rooms organized along a single main hallway for clarity and efficiency. The house sits tightly to the east side of its lot to maximize useable west side garden space. The roof form is a double gable. The main gable is centered on the first floor with the ridge reinforcing the linear order of the site. The first floor contains all essential daily living functions and amenities. Hardwood maple floors, cabinets, stairs and trim highlight interior finishes. The second (sidecar) gable is taller and houses a tower-like structure with rooms overlooking Carolina Lake and a loft looking down into the two-story living space. A covered south-facing porch at the base of the tower provides sheltered outdoor space and sets the scene for conversing with friends and neighbors.
In Architecture, a building’s spatial order reveals and accords with that of the site.
John Lucas Architect
