The client is a young woman for whom this was a first house. The budget was very modest resulting in the need to minimize program, scale and materials. Nestled among hardwoods on its rural central Pennsylvania site, the house is compact (1200 SF), thick-walled and steep-roofed to respond to its climate and to maximize usable space while maintaining a minimal footprint. Sitting on a 24’ square foundation, the walls skew and cantilever to create multiple accessory spaces to complement the tightly-ordered cubic plan. Like many northern houses there is a usable full basement. North facing openings are minimal while south and east windows are more expansive for light and sun. A deck wrapping the east and south sides extends the main living spaces to the outdoors visually and functionally, helping the small house seem a little larger. The building exterior is clear-coated cedar siding with a green asphalt-shingled roof. A carport (with storage unit) inflects from the cut-away corner, forming a receptive approach area. Inside, the entry is a two-story space with a computer loft looking down from above.
Small houses quickly become “homes” aligning seamlessly with their owner’s personality.
John Lucas Architect