Beyond Modern: Inside the MWWorks Longbranch Residence

#house #architecture #housedesign

The old suburban house had always felt like an intruder. Perched precariously on a promontory carved out of the sloping earth on Key Peninsula, it had witnessed decades of change. What was once a dense forest had slowly given way, its heart excavated, its length divided by strained retaining walls. The house, in its previous incarnation, had stood uncomfortably, a jarring note in an otherwise natural symphony. But for thirty-five years, a couple had visited a nearby cabin, falling deeper in love with the area with each passing season. They saw not a scarred landscape, but a canvas awaiting a new vision.

Their dream, which would eventually materialize as the Longbranch Residence, began with a discreet approach. Off the winding country road, a gravel drive now meandered, leading not directly to a grand entrance, but past an unassuming new barn. The house itself remained elusive, offering only fleeting glimpses from a distance, where the land suddenly dropped away. It was a deliberate reveal, a slow unfolding, as if the architects, mwworks, wanted the landscape to prepare you for the structure that would eventually emerge.

As one drew closer, the Longbranch Residence began to reveal itself more fully, a whispered secret rather than a shouted declaration. A planted roof, alive with the green of the meadow, merged seamlessly into the surrounding earth, blurring the lines between built and natural. This living canopy was more than just an aesthetic choice; it was a testament to the home's deep commitment to its environment. Here, a thriving colony of frogs found refuge, their nocturnal chorus adding to the symphony of chirping birds that had claimed this integrated habitat as their own.

The architectural integration went deeper than just a green roof. The very foundation of Longbranch was a masterclass in deference to nature. Pin piles and grade beams were carefully threaded through the earth, navigating above ancient tree roots, allowing the building and the towering firs at the entrance to coexist on the same ground. These majestic firs, standing sentinel, mimicked enormous columns, echoing the structural integrity of the home. A bridge, a graceful span, beckoned one towards the entrance, an intentional blend of outdoor and indoor, a tangible link emphasizing the continuous connection between the built and natural environments.

Architects: mwworks
Area: 3900 ft²
Year: 2023
Photographs:Andrew Pogue
City: Key Center
Country: United States