River House

River House

Suyama Peterson Deguchi

River House
© Aaron Leitz

GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Dembergh Construction

INTERIOR DESIGNER
Doug Rasar Interior Design

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Alchemie

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Swenson Say Faget

LIGHTING
Brian Hood Lighting Design

PHOTOGRAPHS
Aaron Leitz

AREA
5425 Ft²

YEAR
2012

LOCATION
United States

CATEGORY
Houses

River House
© Aaron Leitz

Text description provided by architect.

River House was designed to be a serene shelter embracing the natural beauty of the rugged mountain area.

The complex program for a retired couple included a guest wing and extended outdoor living areas.

River House
© Aaron Leitz
River House
© Aaron Leitz

The site is located within an older cul-de-sac development above a meandering river and the challenge was to build a private oasis in this dense setting with a connection to the river and the surrounding scenic mountains.

An elongated concrete wall on the north side provides a structural backbone for the composition.

River House
© Aaron Leitz
River House
© Aaron Leitz

All program elements were located on or below grade and under a sheltering shed roof to enhance the sense of protection in this sometimes harsh environment.

Concrete was chosen as the dominant material for its durability and because it aesthetically anchors the house to the site.

River House
© Aaron Leitz
River House
© Aaron Leitz

While visually extending the interior spaces and creating outdoor rooms, the raw materiality of the concrete sets up a compositional base for the remaining wood, glass, metal and plaster finishes.

When approached from the street, the house is very understated and minimal.

Upon entering the house through the conceptual front door (gate), one finds a rich sequence of spaces, bounded by concrete and plantings.

River House
© Aaron Leitz
River House
© Aaron Leitz
River House
© Aaron Leitz

Here, the division between inside and outside first becomes blurred.

This sense of uncertainty extends through the airlock entry to the interior of the main space.

The synergy of the landscape architecture, art and furnishings contribute to the serene sense of place.

River House
© Aaron Leitz


River House
Floor Plan
River House
Floor Plan
River House
Section