TreeHaus

Fall 2023
Rhino + Illustrator + Wood
Laura Walker

Inspired by the design ethos of its precedent, the Tanikawa House, the Sunbeam Sanctuary is a house tailored for a coffee enthusiast—a haven intertwining earth connectivity with intimate seclusion. Embracing rituals as its cornerstone, this sanctuary is purposefully exclusive, tailored for a discerning clientele. Following a 1/4 grid layout, a new boundary unfolds at every 12.5 feet, choreographed in response to the solar path.

Immersed in duality, the residence curates two distinct narratives: one for the owner, the barista, traversing the more private domains—the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and coffee bar—analogous to the nuanced process of sourcing and crafting a perfect latte. Simultaneously, the guest, the client, embarks on a café-style journey, enjoying the artistry of the latte and the spatial voyage—a progression mirroring the owner's journey through the house.

Embarking on the experiential journey, one encounters an open, woodland-inspired front yard guiding visitors towards the veranda—a threshold separating two areas under one property. Crossing this threshold, guests are greeted by a sunken foyer, inviting them to pause, take their shoes off, and prepare them for the awaiting experience. Ascending to the second floor, reminiscent of the earth's contours, the slanted floor unveils communal spaces accessible to guests: the coffee bar, kitchen, dining area, and a lounge featuring an in-ground hammock—a way of experiencing earth without direct interaction.

Using wood as its primary medium, the house envelops inhabitants in a natural embrace, harmonizing the structure with its earthly context, blurring the boundaries between the dwelling and nature.