March interiors

March begins. With the promise of spring comes the urgency of decision making as the finish line draws nearer. An on-site presentation of the interior design concept to the entire team provided invaluable feedback, which allowed adjustments to be made and in-depth developments to be pursued. After his first visit of the house, the interior team had its final meeting with professor David Matthews (UT CoAD, chair of Interior Design); in light of the constructive criticism obtained from both presentations, we now feel that we have a strong scheme and a clear direction in which to go.

[ To read about David Matthews’ impressions of the New Norris House, see Reflections on Norris ]

color
The application of color within the realm of the Home had been addressed as static within the private realm. While the team still believes in the use of paint as a highly impermanent and personable element, the decision was made to limit the application of color to the inside of the marriage wall rather than the entirety of the rooms. The warm orange (swing space) and yellow (bedroom) of the wall now lend a hand to light as it paints on the white canvas of the house, defining those spaces as more intimate. The bathroom ‘nook’ remains yellow, as it becomes perceived as carved out of the marriage wall; in addition, the use of a warm color allows for a positive perception of the self-image, as bathrooms are meant “to make the occupant look good, not the room.” (David Matthews)
The next step is the choice of paint colors, most importantly the whites; the interior team has been coordinating with the casework team in order to obtain a harmonious relationship between the white cabinets and the walls. We have been very fortunate to establish a partnership with the Sherwin Williams Company through Mr. Dwight LeClair, who is in the process of helping us obtain 0 VOC paint as the house will be seeking LEED homes platinum certification.

furniture
In accordance to the design concept of the house, the interior focuses on emphasizing the common space and its relationship to the outdoors. As the “public” living space visually links together street, landscape and people, the furniture remains light in presence and the sight unhindered, while allowing for a flexibility of use. We are very excited to work with David Koch, who has enthusiastically agreed to donate one of his 3style table, which will be staged as an actor sharing its time between the swing space and the living room.

The design of a modular piece (alternatively used as a couch, lounge chair or bed) will start this week, with the immediate goal of a first mock-up achieved over spring break.

flooring
Salvage Antique’s white oak flooring was the general consensus, and will be installed next week. A clear finish will preserve the relatively light color of the wood, as a high contrast in value (dark floor v.s. white walls) would provide discomfort to the occupants.

casework
While the casework team has been working hard on the making of the kitchen cabinetry, the design of the swing space casework is approaching schematic completion through numerous discussions and collaborative efforts. The design includes the loft ladder and wall storage which accommodates a curtain that will allow for a more private use of the swing space. (The curtain height, texture and color are in the process of being designed.)

[ Further updates will be given about lighting and window treatments. A mock-up lighting session will happen soon in order to determine the best way to illuminate the space. ]

For architecture students to approach the task of designing an interior --more particularly this interior-- has proven to be an extraordinary mind-broadening experience. As a new member of the New Norris team, the design process has been at turns daunting, challenging, and intimidating, but most of all highly exciting. The New Norris House has been a constant reminder of how much we can give; of how far the urge to create spaces for high quality of living --that will to do good design-- may take us.