SIMPSON RESIDENCE

Fresno, California  1985

Located in a subdivision designed around a man-made lake in northern Fresno, the corner entrance to the site opens from a narrow street frontage on a cul-de-sac into a fan-shaped waterfront lot.  Within these irregular boundaries, the clients asked for a redwood home whose elevations would contrast with the homogenous surroundings of the subdivision.

Double entry doors leading into the home are constructed of redwood siding and various sized wood strips designed to carry the lines of the house.  Site orientation, terraces, and decks make this home appear much larger than neighboring structures of similar size.  The design solution emphasizes privacy from both the street and adjoining houses, while maximizing openness for enjoyment of the lake front.  The front entry penetrates into the inner part of the lot, establishing a sense of depth that belies the narrowness of the street access.  This perception is further extended by recognizing landscaping effects of adjacent properties

The entire living focus is the residence is directed toward the south, facing the open reach of the lake not only to engage aesthetic values and balance site disposition, but also for the important economy of solar tempering.  Softer seasonal illumination enters through clerestory windows during winter, while harsher summer sunlight is screened by the angle of the roof.   

Off the master bedroom, living space also thrust out toward the lake on a cantilevered second floor deck whose aproned redwood prow conceals view of the land and affords privacy while appearing to be upon the open water.  The master bedroom shares a fireplace with the master bath, providing both with an added sense of luxury.  In the bath the ceramic tile hearth extends to form a seating area and also becomes a deck surrounding the tub.