Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Design

Light Path Residence

Light Path Residence 

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson

Light Path Residence
© Nicholas Snyder

PROGRAM / USE / BUILDING FUNCTION
Primary Residence

MANUFACTURERS
Dynamic Fenestration, Effort Woodcraft, Endless Mountain Stone, Goodwin Company, J. Geiger Shading, Solar Innovations

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
E.d. Pons & Associates, Inc

PROJECT ARCHITECT
Julia Chaffee

LANDSCAPE
Kalinosky Landscaping, Inc

DESIGN TEAM MEMBER
Jim Bell, Theresa Thomas

GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Dakan Enterprises, Inc

PROJECT MANAGER
Nicholas Snyder

PRINCIPAL
Peter Bohlin

PHOTOGRAPHS
Nicholas Snyder

AREA
3000 Ft²

YEAR
2020

LOCATION
Waverly, United States

CATEGORY
Houses

Light Path Residence
© Nicholas Snyder

Text description provided by architect.

We first worked with our Light Path clients in the mid-1970s, when they engaged us to create a family home on nineteenth-century farmland in Waverly, Pennsylvania.

After living in their former home for many years, our clients recognized the need for a different type of dwelling for their next chapter in life – one that would help them safely age in place, respond to a recent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, and offer flexibility as needs changed with time.

Light Path Residence
© Nicholas Snyder
Light Path Residence
© Nicholas Snyder

Early in the design process, our clients shared what they wanted to carry through from their former home, including its quality of light, the way it connected to the surrounding landscape, and its natural materials and craftsmanship.

We also discussed their desire to move comfortably throughout a single-level dwelling. Light Path embraces nature, wellbeing, and healthy living, creating a flexible and adaptive environment that brings our clients’ favorite design elements with them.

Light Path Residence
© Nicholas Snyder
Light Path Residence
© Nicholas Snyder

The primary pathways of the home form a simple cross in plan, providing easy circulation between bedroom, living, and dining areas and offering a variety of views to the surrounding landscape.

Expansive windows, a 92-foot-long skylight along the home’s central axis and sliding-glass doors between the den and sheltered porch create an airy environment connected to the outdoors.

The operable skylight and windows encourage natural ventilation and fresh air circulation while increasing daylight for tasks and wayfinding.

Anticipating future wheelchair use, we designed wide hallways, a spacious garage with unrestricted same-level entry, accessible bathrooms, workspaces with lowered counters, and easily grasped, custom-designed door handles and drawer pulls.

Light Path Residence
© Nicholas Snyder
Light Path Residence
© Nicholas Snyder

Natural, locally sourced materials help anchor the home to its site and surroundings. Sustainably harvested cedar exterior siding was selected for its durability and resistance to rot and insects, given the home’s forested environment.

Reclaimed Heartwood pine was used in the flooring and local white pine clads the ceilings, which together bring warmth to the interior and are enlivened by plentiful natural light.

Light Path Residence
© Nicholas Snyder
Light Path Residence
© Nicholas Snyder

Regional bluestone in the floor of the entry, den and covered porch creates an extended indoor/outdoor gathering area when the porch doors are open, and bluestone planks form the tall fireplace that anchors the living room at the end of the skylight.

These materials, natural light and views, and low contrast interiors, imbue Light Path with a familiarity and material tonal range that is important to Alzheimer’s patients in creating a comfortable and safe environment.

Light Path Residence
© Nicholas Snyder
Light Path Residence
© Nicholas Snyder

Although smaller than their previous home, our clients have found that their movement has increased by over 35% and they regularly use a variety of spaces throughout the day.

By bringing dual functionality to guestrooms, we maximized usable space in the home while anticipating future accessibility needs.

Light Path Residence
© Nicholas Snyder
Light Path Residence
© Nicholas Snyder

Planning details such as the second door in one of the primary bedrooms increase flow and provide site-line connections, essential for care when an immediate response is needed.

Marrying modern aesthetics with functionality, Light Path creates a healthy environment for our clients, attuned to their well-being and changing needs over time.

Light Path Residence
© Nicholas Snyder


Light Path Residence
Plan
Light Path Residence
Site Plan


Light Path Residence
East Elevation
Light Path Residence
Section - Living Room
Light Path Residence
Sketch - Kitchen

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Design
T +1 570 8258756 F +1 570 8253744
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Design
8 W Market St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701, United States