Architect’s Toolbox: Beautifully Layered Spaces

4 Jun

Architect’s Toolbox: Beautifully Layered Spaces

One of those tools we architects and designers utilize is spatial layering — essentially, making smaller spaces seem larger and more intriguing by linking to and suggesting spaces beyond. This is achieved by dividing a space into bits that have characterized beginnings and ends and by using framed openings, columns and”floating” walls. We also encourage views along a diagonal and by strategically introducing light in order to add depth and dimension to a space. Sarah Susanka, author of this bestselling The Not So Big House books has more about this.

Since plasma layering allows a hint at what’s next without having to give it all up at the same time, it’s the counterpoint to the architectural one-liner, drawing us in and enticing us with clues to what lies beyond.

So the next time you’re thinking of building a new home or remodeling your existing home, speak to your designer and architect concerning spatial layering. Here are 11 ideas to get you started:

Eck | MacNeely Architects inc..

1. Use layering for a feeling of connectedness. Sitting in this area, one would feel equally separated from and attached to the rest of the home, in addition to the outdoors.

Frederick + Frederick Architects

2. Capture oblique views. Views across the diagonal highlight span, making rooms look much larger than they are.

Webber + Studio, Architects

3. Promise light and view. The space expands beyond into the exterior in addition to up and into the left at a series of layers that makes us want to travel around and find out more about the home.

Dick Clark + Associates

4. Reveal a secret. In this room there is a feeling that layers have been peeled off to show the structure.

Smith & Vansant Architects PC

5. Use colour to define the architecture. Different colours reinforce a sequence of spaces resulting in the doorway.

6. Reinforce the flat. The structural rhythm of this gray posts and beams, the slatted privacy screen to the right, the floating concrete wall at front and white floating ceiling over result in an enjoyable transition from outside to inside.

Synthesis Design Inc..

7. Give framed views upward in addition to forward. The opening on peak of the stairs invites us to explore what’s there.

Visbeen Architects

8. Set a rhythm. The sequence of framed openings resulting in the door provides a rhythm and progression into the spaces. Molding, ceiling and trim coffers bring about and reinforce this rhythm.

Glenn Robert Lym Architect

9. Give a framework. The arched opening separates us from what lies beyond while the light coming from up high washes down the brick wall, making the space explode.

HP Rovinelli Architects

10. Anchor the space. Use a solid vertical element such as a stairs, chimney or other structure to counteract the space spinning off in all directions.

Gast Architects

11. Use transparency to join rooms. This breakfast area employs two-sided glass cabinetry to connect and be separate from the adjoining kitchen.

More: Why There’s Beauty in Grid, Column and Row
Hallways With a Beckoning Beauty
Define Spaces With Changes in Level
Sliding Walls Bring the Outside In
Breezeways: Architecture’s Cool Connections

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