A psychiatrist sought to significantly expand and enhance his home, while at the same time providing private and intimate office space to enable him to relocate his practice to his residence. The design challenge was creating a welcoming environment for patients, and maintaining visual and acoustical privacy for both uses – all within the confines of a 1,100 sf building envelope.

The design resulted in a captivating and integrated built and natural environment, with traces of Japanese architectural influence. The residence emanates calmness, serenity and privacy, accentuated by architectural jewels and striking design elements. The project entailed an extensive renovation and addition, including a new master bedroom suite and private office, waiting and patient treatment rooms. A glass-block shower tower reaching skyward serves as the hub between the new and renovated spaces.

Materials, such as Kalwall® wall panels, glass block and a shoji screen, produce filtered light is a consistent element throughout the built space. Geothermal heat pumps, radiant floor heating, green materials, including bamboo flooring and recycled cellulose insulation, indigenous structural cedar post, and Xeriscape landscaping, enabled the owner to realize their commitment to sustainable design features by also incorporating these materials and features in the residence and its environs.

2006 AIA Bucks County Excellence in Architectural and Design Silver Award