May Residence
Architect: Jonathan Levi

This suburban residence is the third in a family of projects whose resemblance is based on a common demonstration of innovative building elements meant as proposals for general use. The May residence is sited on difficult terrain. Its point of departure is a cantilever used to minimize the footprint on the small lot while thrusting the second floor living spaces and decks out to the view.

A wood structured and concrete paved bridge makes the connection to the street with minimal disruption to the topography. The auto is accommodated by a richly detailed porch roof which serves the front door as well. Three elements of the iconic house; roof, dormer and vertical mass (chimney) are impacted and brought together on the front elevation to convey a clearly legible image of domesticity. The cladding and windows are second generation prototypes exploring refinements in methods of assembly, finish and functionality. The cladding is resin-coated plywood, assembled in coursed boards which are coordinated with the window and door openings. Using a cambered jamb, the windows, though as tall as 9 ft, use a single handle fastener to seal and maintain full compression against the weather.