concept & vision

a simple stack of shipping containers is cut diagonally along top and bottom to occupy a typical 25x100-feet city corner lot. The diagonal cut shears the containers’ top creating outdoor space at each level, modifying the typical townhouse with outdoor space only at ground, and offering a fluid indoor-outdoor experience.

design & architecture

the diagonal wall responds also to the need of providing privacy for the 100-foot street exposure of the house, shielding indoor and outdoor space from traffic and passersby. Large sliding glass walls on each terrace create continuity between indoor and outdoor enclosed decks, all connected by exterior stairs. The original container color and texture is left unpainted and exposed along the vertical strip windows on the main façade.

program & use

at ground level, the diagonal cut is mirrored by a concrete ramp and stair to provide entry to the house, cellar and garage. Kitchen, dining and living room occupy the first floor above ground, the larger footprint, while the slanted area above the garage ramp forms a media room with bleacher seating. The kids’ level is right above, with the intimate space of single containers providing privacy for the bedrooms and a large open area dedicated to study and play. At the top, the main bedroom is split into an open space with bed and large bathtub and a large dressing area with powder rooms.

impact & significance

to cut not a container but a stack of many, to radically optimize cut pieces recombining them, to add a steel shard to a city corner, a compelling urban presence.