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Saltzman house
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The Saltzman House
Initial background information
PHILOSOPHY / SYMBOLISM and INFLUENCES
The Saltzman house, started in 1967 and completed in 1969 is a three story structure with an adjoined guest house.
primerally constructed of concrete and re-enforced glass this structure.
the structure itself is that of a composite style , using both load bearing walls and a structured frame with a combination of curved and straight facades, creating a complex design with a tasteful simplistic appeal .
Richard Meier
Richard Meier, in full Richard Alan Meier, (born October 12, 1934, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.), American architect noted for his refinements of and variations on classic Modernist principles: pure geometry, open space, and an emphasis on light.
Architect Bio
Architects background
Architects
background
Meier himself graduated from Cornell University in 1957 initially working for the firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill in which he initially took to the “international style” of architecture, which shares many of his purist modernist values. It was the latter in which he really took to his base modernist style, forming his own firm in 1963. He received critical acclaim early on with the Smith House (1965–67) which was the first of his so called ‘White buildings’
design philosophy
Design Philosophy
Meier’s base design philosophy derives from his belief in the effectiveness of modernism, presented in his works through is apparent disregard to the change architectural trends of the time and sticking true to his modernist ideals, utilizing a limited palette of materials, with an emphasis on lightness, transparency, and precision assembly. His involvement and association with the New York five “the whites” also shows his commitment to modernism and his apparent relentlessness in the “pursuit of the essence of modern architecture”
Meier's distinct style
Other Projects and structures
These are some of Meier’s previous and later works, which evidently show his commitment to modernism in his style. Most if not all of these designs share the same basic outline.
-Solid whiteness
-Geometric clarity and order
-Intelligent voids and facades
-A strong utilization of natural light
-A strong presence of Concrete
and Glass as a complimentary pair
As a whole all of these elements combined create an unique variation of classic modernist architecture creating a set of striking but related designs.
When looking at Meier's work, his style is instantly recognizable because of these features creating a structure that embraces Light, Color and Place. Presenting geometry in solid block forms intelligently, to create a prominent and aesthetically pleasing structure , wile also being at one with its environment in a complimentary fashion. truly presenting the modernist value of form following function.
The Saltzman house
The house itself shows many of the techniques and trends that Meier popularized at the time, relying heavily on the theme of purity of form and ideals of form following function.
The house itself has very recognizable features and from a distance, the cubic composition appears to flatten into a two-dimensional shape against the background of land and sky. In order to take advantage of the scenic coastline, which is not visible from the ground plane, the upper two levels of predominantly common space are elevated above a slightly recessed private ground floor. As a whole the building is a prime example of an effective modernist design, both excelling in practicality and aesthetic appeal.
The Saltzman house
Site, Context and Orientation
SITE, ORIENTATION and CONTEXT
Saltzman house is located in East Hampton, New York. East Hampton is known for being a wealthy area with many luxurious houses. Most houses in the area are designed differently to Saltzman house, consisting of basic shapes and pitched roofs whereas Saltzman house is made up of two different buildings, a flat roof, and curved walls. The building is only a short distance from the coast and is situated in a rural area. The land that the building has been built on is flat making it easier to design as the ground does not have as much of an effect on the building as it would if the ground was sloped. On the middle and upper floor of the house there is a view of the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline and Montauk Point. The house is orientated so that the curved wall is facing the sea so that it maximises the view from the house.
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Pictures
Climate
The weather in the area is similar to the UK being around 2°C in the winter and 24°C in the summer as well as having just slightly higher rainfall than the UK.
Natural elements on site
On site there are a few trees around the edge of the property, mainly on the east side, as well as a hedge running along the perimeter to allow for some privacy for the house.
Natural elements on site
Typology and Spacial Hierarchy
TYPOLOGY, PLAN and SPATIAL HIERARCHY
overall this structure presents a somewhat theatrical and impactful theme throughout the design and layout of the building
In terms of the interior itself the Saltzman house follows the foundations of key modernist designs, using minimalist and simplistic furnishings that serve function with a sleek design rather than presenting ornamental value, once again presenting these key post WW2 modernist values. furthermore the layout of the building itself is complex in its outcome within this unique composite build, in both the way you travel though and live in these spaces .
model pic
building layout and design
The Relationship of spaces
Within this design both public and private spaces are defined using an element of natural light. Defining public areas as open, light and welcoming spaces, compared to private areas such as the bedrooms which are more secluded, simplistic and clean cut. This is primerally defined through Meier’s use of natural light and glass elements combined with the shape of each room.
Public spaces
Public spaces
Firstly public/ social areas are predominantly open with strong use of glass to allow for the spaces to seem more opening and welcoming as well as to allow for the natural environment to be viewed. Furthermore, the orientation of the house is also a contributing factor, with both the dining and kitchen area facing towards the east, allowing for optimum natural light. This makes areas seem more spacious with the introduction of an external view and the introduction of large amounts of natural light. a perfect example of this within this structure is both the kitchen and living area which incorporates triple and double height volume spaces, using beams and load bearing struts to open up the environment.
Private Spaces
On the other hand, the more private areas of the building are located on the rear of the building, such as the master bedroom bathrooms and walk in closet. These sections of the buildings rely on wood load bearing walls, creating a more private and concealed space. Although natural light Isn’t eliminated from this side of the building, through the introduction of external windows on the south and west walls.
Private spaces
Spacial Hierarchy
Spacial Hierarchy
For the layout of this building Meier creates a somewhat theatrical effect when moving through this building from the design itself to elements such as the large glass elements and the external spiral staircase. Firstly, private and public spaces are located on separate sides of the building having more public and social areas facing the sun rise and also creating a sense of dramatic change within the building when traveling within. This is achieved through a funnel like design, moving from a confined to an open space creating a greater sense of openness, such as the dining room on the bottom floor which is a triple volume height room within a prominently reserved and private bottom floor. Furthermore, movement between floors has a furthered dramatic appeal though the addition of an external spiral staircase.
The Bottom Floor
Within the bottom floor Meier has used a more load baring design for this section of the building having more confined spaces, while also using elements of a frame build to open up spaces. Such as the dining room which sits between four structural pillars to allow for this triple volume which embraces this theatrical funnel like design when moving from the mote confined bottom floor rooms which are sectioned off accordingly.
Second Floor
The second floor is where the benefits of a composite structure are shown, having strong elements of both private and public spaces. the living room is seen as the main point of this whole structure, being the most open and quite frankly impressive space. Once again utilizing the pillars to create a vast open space. Whereas the more private areas adopt a simplistic and reserved style such as the guest house and the back rooms which are closed off relying of only the west facing windows for natural light.
Third floor
the third floor is the most simplistic of the three , ony consisting of a singular type of space. the primerally public space sits as a somewhat balcony overlooking the rest of the spaces, also adding to the dramatic appeal of the overall layout
Light Study
DEDICATED LIGHT STUDY
within the majority of Meier's work, light is a well utilized element. connecting to both the composition and layout of the building, while also to the materials. As a device Meier uses light to emphasize composition through the pure white concrete elements which are made more prominent in direct sunlight which aesthetically creates strong impactful imagery. However, in terms of the interior light is used in the practical sense both lighting public spaces and also as an aesthetic device.
Light Study -- Morning
During the early hours light hits the east side of the building, towards curved façade creating a more welcoming and warmer atmosphere. This effect is furthered through the orientation of the building towards the sun as light hits both of the larger voids allowing for large amounts of natural light to enter both the dining area and living area as well as the thin curved window which allows plenty of non direct natural light into the space.
Light Study -- Evening
during the later hours of the day light is more focused towards the back of the structure, where private spaces are lit through windows on the south wall. These windows are at such an angle to allow in natural light, but not to an extent where the light fills the room, such as the curved façade does on the opposite wall.
Structural Logic
The main frame of the house is made out of reinforced concrete. Due to the building having such open spaces in the upper levels of the building it is not strong enough to only to use load bearing walls. The frame of the house uses both load bearing walls and columns. Downstairs there are enough walls to support the parts of the house as it is more of a private area with closed rooms. The walls downstairs are wooden load bearing walls. As you go upstairs it becomes more open with larger living spaces so there are not enough walls to support for the next floor. This is where steel columns are used inside the house. There are multiple steel columns supporting the rest of the house. The footbridge outside is also supported by steel columns.
Drawing of the buildings frame
Load bearing walls and steel columns
Composition and Proportions
Entrance composition
Composition and Proportions
The basic composition of the house is made up of two cubes (both the buildings) and a long rectangle (footbridge). The main building is in the shape of a cube but one of the edges has been curved. This is to maximise the light coming into this side of the building as well as making the most of the view. The guesthouse is also a cube shape but is much smaller than the main part of the house. The main house is made up of small private areas then big open spaces. On the ground floor is where the bedrooms are at the back of the house with only a small open area where the kitchen and dining room is. As you move up the house the ratio of public and private areas of the house changes so there are more public open spaces each time you go up a floor. All the private areas of the house are towards the back and the open parts are towards the front.
Pictures
Entrance Coposition
The entrances to the building are located in the north and east corner of the building. each entrance opens up into the public areas of the house for a dramatic effect. The entrances are also located at either sid o the private areas of the house.