Joyce Residence

The Joyce residence is an addition and renovation to an existing 1938 one-story bungalow. The design expands and modernizes the structure while maintaining the scale and vernacular of its quaint northside neighborhood. The quiet restraint of the exterior is juxtaposed with unexpected, playful spatial experiences within. A small connector bridge links the 900 sq ft addition to the renovated existing bungalow and defines a new organizing axis. The entry walk aligns to the axis, a procession that leads to an expanded front porch and is punctuated by a shade garden below, and a roof trellis bridging a sky void above. Within the connector, a vaulted vertical circulation space is flanked by opposing sun and shade gardens. A playful ladder ascends to a play space in the existing home's attic, while a fig tree climbs alongside the steps to the studio of the addition. Despite being an urban lot, the house opens pathways for discovery and engagement with the outdoor environment by intentionally capturing light and framing the landscape. The living room views push through the roof to frame the canopy of the front yard Tallow tree. The 5 year old's bedroom overlooks the rear garden. The primary bedroom window wall orients to a grove of bamboo and neighboring trees. Oversized studio window dormers frame the surrounding sky, front yard river birch, and distant tree canopies. These intentional connections between interior and exterior form an experience of the house that transcends its modest footprint.