Guest House, Mother In Law Suite, Custom Awnings
This
project presented interesting challenges. What began as a storage
shed/workshop became a new guest house. The
idea of a guest house as a separate structure is gaining popularity,
especially here in Arizona. In this case, the homeowners had some
clear parameters:
1. The new structure must be "squeezed" into
a small corner of the building envelope so it can also serve
as an additional two-car garage, adjacent to the existing.
2. Part of the structure needs to be dedicated as bike storage
and workshop, with a sink.
3. The spaces must be fully functional - kitchen, living room,
bed room, closet, bath, and patio.
4. The new structure cannot intrude upon the existing mountain
views from the family room of the main house.
5. Height restrictions do not allow for a functional second story.
To fit the guest house into the triangular-shaped
corner of the envelope, and still maximize square footage, the footprint
employs curved corners and stepped walls. The far corner shares the
same view as the main house. Glass block and a cupola, with clerestory
windows, allows light to shower in. Diffused shade awnings on the
south and west facing exterior walls help keep the sun exposure to
a minimum in the summer while allowing the sun in through the accordion
doors during the winter months.
