Sited on a vacant corner in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this newly constructed house by Qb stitches itself into the neighborhood by responding to local cues. Curved brick corners negotiate the irregular street grid, while the cadence of typical rowhouses and a palette of brick volumes and stone bases are translated into a new vocabulary. I might have to do a drive-by, since it’s so close to me.
A three-story brick skin wraps the glass-lined interior, forming intimate exterior spaces where the two diverge.
An interior palette of bleached and blackened oak, polished concrete and patinaed steel contrast the rich wood, hammered concrete and brick of the exterior.
Floating just above the streetscape, the interior spaces wrap around the three-story glass entry, framing views out and back into the house.
The brick skin shelters the interior and becomes the roof garden parapet, creating a sense of complete privacy.
Alison Lewis on 01.14.2010 at 09:05 AM
OMG! I love this house, it is down the street from me. I saw it being built and at every turn I fell emphatically in love. It really raises this already up and coming neighborhood to a new level. I think it makes a great statement about the artists and designers and free thinkers that live in Philly’s Northern Liberties area. Its an amazing place with good people. There are many fun and unique homes around the corner and a great dog park. HOWEVER, this is the first truly innovative and beautiful modern home in the hood. Thank you QB, you are my hero, and THANK YOU design-milk for posting this so I can get a sneak peek on the inside.
BTW: Be sure to check out the green home condos that east of 2nd street. They are said to be really well done. I’d love to see the inside of them as well.