THE PROCESS
We thought it would be interesting to follow a project from start to finish. This home has been a long time in the planning. Follow along as we watch the dream unfold.

All photos ©2005 Terri Anderson

THE ARCHITECT's STATEMENT:
This is a building about an appropriate fit to the site.  It is about smooth function, comfortable scale, and a special sense of space and light, designed to be passive solar heated and earth cooled.  Architecture is not about size or cost, it is about design and an intangible.  When completed it will speak for itself in a way that words and photographs will not be able to convey.
 
I see every house project - within the limitations of budget, client, contractor, tradespersons, suppliers, and building codes - as an opportunity to advance the state of the art in residential design and construction.

John Ottenheimer

THE HOMEOWNER:

This house was imagined as a gracious space for people to gather, to share experiences, hold significant conversations, learn together and be nourished in body and mind. We wanted all senses to be engaged: food preparation is central; musical sound - instrumental, human voice, animals, birds, critters; space invites movement as well as intimacy and curiosity; the eyes must be stimulated at times, soothed at others.

With that in mind, the house was designed for maximum view of the outdoors - embracing the japanese inspired garden and western views of the forests and sunsets. The house nestles onto the contours of the ground so as to feel held close by the land. Individual rooms are few, enabling an open space for large groups and several corners for quiet reflection or cozy exchange. The kitchen is central to the open space because that is where people consistently gather and linger. (John Ottenheimer declared this area our convergence zone.)

Finally, the building process encourages and welcomes the contributions and creativity of every craftsman employed by Richard. In its imagination, conception and now manifestation, this house is a collaborative effort of love and hope.

Terri Anderson