Wavelet House, Mid-century design by Fougeron Architecture

Date of Publishing: October 6, 2024

Contents

Architecture Design of Wavelet House

Description About The Project

Wavelet House, designed by Fougeron Architecture, reinterprets the iconic mid-century modern style that defines much of Northern and Southern California, adding a contemporary and sculptural twist. Located on a narrow lot with side-yard setbacks, the home’s front façade retains a nod to the architectural roots of the region with its minimalist metal and wood slats, creating an aesthetically pleasing entrance that enhances privacy. However, the rear reveals a striking modern transformation. The curtain-wall façade, reaching nearly three stories in height, introduces an unexpected lightness that contrasts with the angular lines of the metal roof overhang.

The design of the roof itself is a distinctive feature of the home, defying the traditional pitched roof by incorporating undulating metal planes that rise and fall, playing with light and shadow. This sculptural form adds a dynamic element, drawing the eye across the entire silhouette. Inspired in part by local zoning constraints, the roof creates a visual rhythm akin to a “wedding cake” layering of planes. Extending from the entryway to the library, the aluminum roof overhang cascades down the sides of the home, further enhancing its dramatic presence.

Inside, the second and third floors continue this interplay between structure and form, with white planes of the ceiling visible throughout. The primary bedroom enjoys a ceiling washed in this geometric design, while a 16-foot perforated overhang shades both the patio and the bedroom, allowing for a seamless indoor-outdoor connection without disrupting the visual flow. Retractable glass doors maximize flexibility and airflow, ensuring cross-ventilation and reducing the reliance on artificial climate control.

The home is anchored by three below-grade courtyards, each designed to optimize natural light and provide access to the outdoors. These courtyards, which serve the music room, guest bedroom, and office, introduce pockets of privacy within the open layout, balancing transparency with intimacy. At the heart of the home is a two-story glass-encased library. Cedar and steel custom shelving, designed to echo the slats of the exterior, create semi-transparent barriers that guide the eye from room to room. The library serves as the central hub of the home, with rooms branching off across all levels.

Wavelet House embodies a unique balance between modern architectural principles and the mid-century modern influences that define the region, creating a residence that is both timeless and forward-thinking.

The Architecture Design Project Information:

Project Name: Wavelet House
Location: Los Altos, United States
Project Year: 2024
Area: 3665 ft²
Designed by: Fougeron Architecture

Wavelet House, Mid-century design by Fougeron Architecture — Metal and wood slat design at the front entrance, adding privacy while enhancing aesthetic appeal.

The Wavelet House Gallery:

Text by the Architects: Eichler’s mid-century modern stylings are abundant in Northern and Southern California and Wavelet House is a reconsideration of the area’s architectural precedent. Set on a narrow lot with side-yard setbacks, the evocative mid-century façade belies an unexpected rear that is more modern. The metal and wood slats of the entrance are quite aesthetically pleasing and offer additional privacy to the residents. The material asymmetry in the front courtyard is a nod to the playfulness of the back of the home.

Photo credit: Joe Fletcher | Source: Fougeron Architecture

For more information about this project; please contact the Architecture firm :
– Add: 521 Francisco St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
– Tel: +1 415-641-5744
– Email: office@fougeron.com