Descendant House

Matt Fajkus Architecture

Short description

Designed as a home for multiple generations, Descendant House allows three family units and generations to co-exist harmoniously in a single structure. Each user group has its own zone and a unique connection to the landscape, while areas for gathering are clustered at the core of the house. Taking center stage is the kitchen; a place that is most important to this family and the way they enjoy spending their time. The kitchen ties together the family's love of food with gardening and beekeeping which occurs on the upper, back portion of the site.
The program is delineated by three rectilinear material masses: respectively clad in masonry, wood/glass, and stucco. Each mass represents program uses specific to various family identities within the household and their unique relationship to the site. The wood/glass mass, for grandparents and family gatherings, is located at the mid elevation of the site, focusing views below the tree canopies. The masonry mass, for guests and utilitarian functions, is further back on the site beyond the trees, acting as a threshold from private to public. In conjunction with the planted retaining walls, the masonry mass anchors the house to the site. The stucco mass is the dedicated parent and grandchild zone, floating within the tree canopy on one end, while the other end directly links to the upper terrace with the garden and beekeeping zone.
An interior core volume, clad in blue, acts as fulcrum to the wood and glass mass and the stucco mass. This centralized core allows for maximized glazing on the perimeter and contains back-of-house functions. This blue volume transitions from the first floor into the second floor, unifying the two realms, while also giving them their own integrity. In addition to tailored views, daylight is calibrated to suit each space, function, and experience.