Architecture as Poetry
Chenequa Residence
The main entrance to the residence on the second of its three floors affords access to a great room, dining room and kitchen, and provides breathtaking views of the lake.
...and the home radiates out from there with elements of stone, metal, hemlock and additional accents of Jatoba.
The main entrance to the residence on the second of its three floors affords access to a great room, dining room and kitchen, and provides breathtaking views of the lake. The floor plan extends through the kitchen and onto a deck overlooking the garden. The lower floor is a private family area where a game room, study, theater room, guest room and children's bedrooms offer warmth and security. The top level is occupied by a master suite and a nursery.
At first glance, the house appears to be small, as its skip-stepping roof and spiraling stone columns conceal its height and belie its size. Oshatz used the geometry of the house to alternately veil and expose various parts of the structure, creating interest while disguising its scale.
The flow of space between the interior and the exterior of the Chenequa residence was designed to be visually interactive. The balanced use of natural stone, domestic and exotic woods, large glass panes and stained concrete all contribute to the poetic character, spirit and energy of this unique structure.
Architecture as Poetry
"Every site has its own character, and the architect's challenge is to capture that character and translate its spirit into architectural poetry," Oshatz says. "The starting point of my work is the client's program, including both its functional and spiritual components. A design program should embody the emotional needs of the client and user. I see architecture as a synthesis of logic and emotion, exploring and fulfilling the dreams, fantasies and realities of my clients."
Frequently asked questions
How is the Chenequa residence's floor plan organized across its three floors?+
The main entrance is on the second floor, which contains the great room, dining room and kitchen with lake views and a deck overlooking the garden. The lower floor houses a game room, study, theater room, guest room and children's bedrooms, while the top level contains a master suite and nursery.
How does the Chenequa residence disguise its true scale?+
At first glance the house appears small because its skip-stepping roof and spiraling stone columns conceal its height and belie its size. Oshatz used the geometry of the house to alternately veil and expose various parts of the structure.
What materials give the Chenequa residence its poetic character?+
The home radiates out with elements of stone, metal, hemlock and accents of Jatoba. The balanced use of natural stone, domestic and exotic woods, large glass panes and stained concrete all contribute to its poetic character, spirit and energy.
How does Oshatz describe his approach to architectural design?+
Oshatz says every site has its own character and the architect's challenge is to capture that character and translate its spirit into architectural poetry. He sees architecture as a synthesis of logic and emotion, starting with the client's program and embodying both its functional and spiritual components.
How is the relationship between interior and exterior handled in the Chenequa residence?+
The flow of space between the interior and exterior was designed to be visually interactive. Large glass panes and the deck extension from the kitchen help connect the home to its lake and garden surroundings.