CASE STUDY
MODERATING MODULAR
Shift House is comprised of three modules and five panels. The modules form each of the bedroom wings and the central kitchen, living room, and dining room. The five panels were used to supplement the height of the living module. Once fabricated, the house was assembled on site within a day, including MEP systems. Floor finishes, exterior cladding, and selective millwork were installed on-site afterwards. Palette’ s initial steps focused on overcoming the traditional shortcomings of modular construction. Transportation constraints typically provide less than ideal room dimensions, requiring overlapping modules at critical areas. Similarly, traditional module heights preclude grand spaces, which the firm overcame using prefabricated panels to extend the living module’ s height. Dozens of configurations were developed and evaluated to balance spatial quality against constructability. Ultimately, the architects arrived at a scheme with two-bedroom wings that connected to a central, high-ceilinged living space.
INVITING NATURE INSIDE
The L-shaped house anchors one edge of a grassy lawn in the back of the property, with the other edges defined by a minimalist swimming pool and rows of trees. An elevated deck forms a transition from the interior. The lush landscaping of the rear contrasts against the front’ s gravel and drought-resistant plantings, which offers a sparser appearance to passersby. This enclosed lawn is private and relatively secluded, encapsulating the home’ s role as an escape to nature for the family.
The interior of the house is designed to draw in views of the landscaped courtyard. Large windows occupy two walls of the living space, overlooking the rear. Bedrooms and bathrooms also look onto a courtyard, which forms the backdrop to those rooms.
INTERIOR CHARACTER
Millwork elements were used as a means of creating a unique character element in each of the spaces, as well as a method for allowing the modules to connect more seamlessly. Cabinetry materials were selected for natural textures, lending variation to each piece.
www. palettearch. com
TECHNICAL SHEET:
Project Name: Shift House Location: The Springs, East Hampton, NY Client: Withheld Architecture Firm: Palette Architecture Typology: Single-family Residence Project Start: August 2020 Project Completed: June 2024 Total area: 1,850 SF Budget: $ 1.0MM Photographer credits: Jody Kivort
TEAM CREDITS:
Managing Partner( s): Peter Miller Project Designers: Daniel Lin, Jeremy Wooldridge, Fan Lu Contractors: Cedar Knolls Homes Pre-fabricator: Simplex Homes Custom Millwork: Shepard Co MEP Engineer: RAAD Interior Architecture: Palette Architecture Landscape Architect: Whitney ' s Landscaping
MATERIALS & SUPPLIERS:
Wood Siding: ReSawn Timber Co. Tiles: Nemo Tile, Cle Tile, Tile Bar Doors and Windows: Anderson E-series Fireplace: Urbana Mech. Grilles: Architectural Grilles Bathroom fixtures: Toto, Kohler Architectural Software: Autodesk Revit
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