Architect's Toolbox: Beautifully Layered Spaces
Framed views and intriguing connections add depth and dimension to great living areas
Bud Dietrich, AIA
September 8, 2011
Houzz Contributor. My name is Bud Dietrich and I am an architect located in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. I am licensed to practice architecture in Illinois, Florida, New Jersey & Wisconsin. Since 1996 I have worked from my home office and provide full architectural services exclusively to the single family residential market. My passion is to transform my clients' houses into their homes. I strive to have the "new" home accommodate my clients' lives without fighting them at every junction. I look to add curb appeal to encourage a beautiful streetscape. And I design any addition to look and feel like it has always been there.
Our projects have won numerous design awards as well as having been featured on television (CBS News Sunday Morning, HGTV, CLTV, etc.), in magazines (Better Homes...
Houzz Contributor. My name is Bud Dietrich and I am an architect located in the Tampa... More
One of the tools we architects and designers use is spatial layering — essentially, making smaller spaces appear larger and more interesting by connecting to and implying spaces beyond. This is achieved by breaking up a space into pieces that have defined beginnings and ends and by using framed openings, columns and "floating" walls. We also encourage views along a diagonal and by strategically introducing light to add depth and dimension to a space. Sarah Susanka, author of the best-selling The Not So Big House books has more about that here.
Because spatial layering allows a hint at what's next without having to give it all up at once, it's the counterpoint to the architectural one-liner, drawing us in and enticing us with clues to what lies beyond.
So the next time you're thinking of building a new home or remodeling your existing home, talk to your architect and designer about spatial layering. Here are 11 ideas to get you started:
Because spatial layering allows a hint at what's next without having to give it all up at once, it's the counterpoint to the architectural one-liner, drawing us in and enticing us with clues to what lies beyond.
So the next time you're thinking of building a new home or remodeling your existing home, talk to your architect and designer about spatial layering. Here are 11 ideas to get you started:
1. Use layering for a sense of connectedness. Sitting in this room, one would feel both separated from and connected to the remainder of the home, as well as the outdoors.
2. Capture oblique views. Views along the diagonal emphasize length, making rooms appear much larger than they are.
3. Promise light and view. The space expands beyond to the outside as well as up and to the left in a series of layers that makes us want to travel around and learn more about this home.
4. Reveal a secret. In this room there's a sense that layers have been peeled away to reveal the structure.
5. Use color to define the architecture. Different colors reinforce a sequence of spaces leading to the door.
6. Reinforce the horizontal. The structural rhythm of the gray posts and beams, the slatted privacy screen to the right, the floating concrete wall in front and white floating ceiling above make for an enjoyable transition from outside to inside.
7. Provide framed views upward as well as forward. The opening at the top of the stairs invites us to explore what's there.
8. Establish a rhythm. The sequence of framed openings leading to the door gives a rhythm and progression to the spaces. Molding, trim and ceiling coffers contribute to and reinforce this rhythm.
9. Provide a frame. The arched opening separates us from what lies beyond while the light coming from up high washes down the brick wall, making the space explode.
10. Anchor the space. Use a strong vertical element such as a staircase, chimney or other structure to counteract the space spinning off in all directions.
11. Use transparency to connect rooms. This breakfast room uses two-sided glass cabinetry to both connect and be separate from the adjoining kitchen.
More: Why There's Beauty in Grid, Column and Row
Hallways With a Beckoning Beauty
Define Spaces With Changes in Level
Sliding Walls Bring the Outside In
Breezeways: Architecture's Cool Connections
More: Why There's Beauty in Grid, Column and Row
Hallways With a Beckoning Beauty
Define Spaces With Changes in Level
Sliding Walls Bring the Outside In
Breezeways: Architecture's Cool Connections
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