The residence is sited on a sloped lot near the urban village of Mountain Brook, Alabama. The client asked for an efficient design that optimized the site, was expressive of their taste, was resource and energy conscious, and fit the neighborhood. Design Initiative responded by creating a gabled cruciform mass organizing the public living spaces and master suite on ground floor and the guest en suite, additional bedrooms and common space above. Each room width is limited to 16 feet to provide access to views, encourage daylighting and allow natural cross-ventilation. Locally available materials are constructed and expressed authentically, reinforcing the idea of connecting interior and exterior spaces. A gradual inclined arrival sequence takes one from the street through a series exterior and interior spaces leading to the family room and kitchen revealing a private stone terrace and grassed yard.
