Karahu

Project Residential
Location Omaha
Architect Crosson Architects

A series of pavilions, enclosed space, outdoor rooms and transitional spaces linked with a covered boardwalk. The boardwalk has a slatted timber rood with glazing above, giving a dappled light condition through the length of the house. The forms to the beach front are long and low, and broken through the boardwalk zone, presenting sensitively to the beach. The street elevation is higher, allowing connections to the water and the enclosed courtyard, for the upper level. The house is designed to operate at two scales: the front (beach) zone functions as a self-contained house, for use when two people are in residence. When the extended family is staying, the back half of the house can be opened up. Both zones function independently and together.

The material palette is restricted, with natural finished: timber, concrete, pre-weathered zinc. Concrete panels anchor the building, giving a feeling of permanence and solidity in a harsh coastal environment. The pre-cast concrete panels compliment the zinc and timber detailing, giving a sense of refinement that contrasts against the more rustic landscaping elements, with off the boards concrete walls and bandsawn timber elements. Cabinetry elements are refined, plywood timber and polished stone, against tile and concrete walls.