Page 67 - Fall 2019

Ground floor work space, with woven-branch divider at right. Photo © Ty Cole

Basement work space. Photo © Ty Cole

As much a piece of gigantic, occupiable furniture as a work of The rich array of materials and details continues on the interior.
architecture, the Grass House is a three-dimensional essay in non- Vividly patterned plywood lines the walls on the main floor, while
traditional materials and exquisite details. Besides the innovative a tapestry of woven walnut branches separates the main spaces
bamboo-panel structural system, the house incorporates insulated from the staircase. Handrails are of highly textured mulberry wood.
concrete block in the foundation, sheep’s-wool insulation in the The second floor is finished primarily in a more neutral plywood,
hollow bamboo walls, and charred cedar and cypress siding. The while in the basement, exposed concrete block is complemented
siding is attached to diagonal furring strips that poke out at the and warmed by a variety of wood surfaces and textures.
corners, creating an unexpected serrated profile that enlivens the boxy Although defined as an accessory dwelling unit, the Grass
structure. In lieu of standard, utilitarian gutters and downspouts, House was actually built as a professional studio for its owner-
a robust copper gutter and delicate copper rain chain direct architects. Ultimately, despite its reliance on natural, eco-friendly
rainwater toward an external cistern used for irrigation. materials, the project’s greenest aspect may be its role in eliminating
the owners’ daily commute to work.

WASHINGTON AT HOME 65