Every day we are fascinated by numerous architectural projects from all over the world with their original design and innovative choice of materials. Today we would like to present one more of these interesting projects. It is a house with modern architecture in Washington, USA, which impresses not only with its unusual design language, but also with an environmentally friendly concept. The facade made of steel and glass has a roasted look and therefore blends harmoniously into the natural landscape. The house was built to “float” over a walkway that represents a natural, predetermined path for wildlife. The architects kept this in order not to intrude on the existing nature.
Innovative design with steel and glass facade
The Olson architects cleverly named the project Rimrock, a reference to the typography of the property. “Rimrock” is a geological process in which a steep rock face is created at the upper edge of a plateau or canyon. The house wason the ledgebuilt and thus opens up wonderful views of its surroundings.
The floating design of Rimrock is not only due to the existing wildlife crossing, but also to the climatic conditions in the region. The area is characterized by changing wind patterns that can cause massive snowdrifts, especially in winter. Because the house was built above ground level, it is protected from heavy snowfalls. Thanks to the floating position, theglazed exteriorStunning views of the valley, mountains, forest, river and city of Spokane also from the lower level. The interior remains open, but protected from external influences.
Robust, long-lasting construction materials are used to withstand the harsh environmental conditions. The steel and glass facade has a charming rusty look and will naturally weather over time. The steel cladding is made from 90-95% recycled material provided by the owner. All windows are includedflexibly adjustable external blindsequipped that significantly reduce energy consumption for cooling. Erosion on the property is prevented by collecting all rainwater from the roof in a dry well at the entrance to the house. From this well the water slowly seeps back into the groundwater system.
Minimalist interiors
In addition to the fountain, there is another outdoor design element - a water feature that adorns a large sculpture by Richard Serra. The entrance door of the house in bright red sets a playful accent and is a foreshadowing of the modernist design in the interior.
Modern homes with a lot of glazing are typically designed with the majority of the glazing concentrated on the upper floors. The Rimrock House is exactly the opposite - the facade of the ground floor is almost completely glazed, with the upper floor being designed to be a little more private. The lower level houses the common areas such as the kitchen, dining and living areas. From the outside, this part of the house looks like a spacious corridor above the animal path.
A small terrace serves as a visual extension of the ground floor. It is separated from the living room by a glass wall and therefore looks like part of it. There is another little piece of luxury there - an infinity pool, which is rather unsuitable for those who suffer from heights. The pool is built directly on the ledge and offers a breathtaking view from above.
In addition to the striking design language and the interesting facade made of steel and glass, this project also fascinates with its interior design. Glass plays a crucial role not only in the facade design, but also in the interior. The smooth surfaces give the interior a modern touch and look particularly elegant. The glass dining table and coffee table harmonize perfectly with the glazing of the facade and are combined with minimalist seating in dark tones.
Glass is also used in the kitchen to create a small exhibition area for small sculptures and decorative objects. Otherwise, the kitchen is compact and framed by an L-shaped kitchen island. This also serves to visually separate the cooking area. Wood is used extensively in this area of open living space. Handleless kitchen cabinets and built-in appliances speak for a modern and high-quality design. The worktops are designed in a dark gray tone to add an accent. Five pendant lights in the same color perfectly illuminate the kitchen and also function as design elements of the interior design.
The upper part of the house is designed to be more private and less transparent than the lower level. This is where the private spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms are located, where residents want to maintain the feeling of intimacy. That's why the architects opted for little glazing when designing these rooms. Nevertheless, the upper floor is also equipped with some beautiful viewing areas that overlook the beautiful natural landscape.
Check out the rest of the images in our gallery for a closer look at the house and its impressive steel and glass facade.
Unique corrugated iron facade of a historic house in Melbourne
"King Bill House" is a conversion and extension project of a historic town house in Melbourne. The single-family house with its impressive corrugated iron facade in Melbourne's Fitzroy district illustrates the magnificent development from a lower-middle-class neighborhood to a cultural center. The builders wanted
Information about the project
Architectural office:Olson Expert
Location: Spokane, Washington, United States
Total area: 484 m²
Project year: 2014
Photographers: Benjamin Benschneider, Kevin Scott/Olson Kundig
