The Pierre by Olson Kundig Architectspublished in: Architecture, Interiors By Kerry Flint, 10 February 2015
Name: The Pierre
Type: House, Interior Design
Designer: Tom Kundig / Olson Kundig Architects
Location: San Juan Islands, Washington, USA
Year of completion: 2010
Perched on a rock face in the stunning San Juan Islands in the US, this project by Tom Kundig of Olson Kundig Architects is as mesmerising as its surrounding landscape, showcasing how thoughtful design can result in something that it is a much welcome addition to an already awe inspiring area.
The name of this incredible house - The Pierre - is the French word for stone and the owner's love for natural materials is both evident and abundant in this design. Tom's work is so sympathetic to the property’s surroundings, that from certain angles, the building blends in almost completely. The materiality of this design - stemming from the use of materials such as mild steel, smooth concrete and drywall – just goes to show how manmade structures can interact with their surroundings and become a positive presence in the most scenic of settings.
In order to position the house into its surroundings, portions of the rock outcropping had to be carefully excavated using drills, hydraulic clippers and wire saws. Rather than being discarded, the excavated rock was instead rather cleverly incorporated into the design and was used as crushed aggregate in the stonework (pieces of the rock were also employed in the carpet structure), further ensuring that this build was as closely organic a process as possible. The simple rough materials not only blend with the outside landscape but serve a function on the interior; to showcase an interior consisting of luxury furnishings, artwork and furniture.
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