Basel-based architectural studio, HHF Architects and Beijing-based artist, Ai Weiwei have joined hands to finish the Tsai Residence project.
The stylish family home is located in Ancram, New York, US. The Tsai Residence is a weekend house designed for two youthful art collectors. The design is focused on a simple conceptual figure sitting almost incomparably on the highest elevation of the large block located two hours by car from NYC. The four equally sized boxes were built as simple timber constructions clad in corrugated galvanized iron. The floor plan contradicts the severe outer form, dissolving the four volumes into living and exhibition spaces that exceed the individual boxes and whose structure serves only as a rhythm for the lighting design.
The rooms of differing heights are arranged on a line that passes through the house via two small staircases in the form of a loop. The dominating fireplace and the materials are oriented toward the great predecessors in 20th century American architecture.
The contemporary residence has been constructed as a typical American balloon frame construction divided into four boxes clad in corrugated galvanized iron and connected to each other via smaller passageways.
The facade’s material is reminiscent of agricultural utility buildings, but the vertical corrugations and glimmering shine lend it a thoroughly noble character. Moreover, the horizontal edges of the corrugated iron sheets overlap, in this way subtly articulating the building’s wall structure: foundation, breast and roof zones frame the room-high openings to the ground floor and the horizontally elongated windows of the upper storey.
