Sleeve Hous

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Taghkanic / US

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The Sleeve House consists of two spaces, one ‘sleeved’ within the oth-

er, the more private spaces tucked into the heart of the space. This pri

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vate residence designed by actual / office architects frames and re-

frames the Hudson Valley landscape in exposed glass, concrete and

charred wood – a Japanese process called shou sugi ban that leaves the

wood distinctively blackened and weather resistant. The results include

a dramatic entrance gallery and dining space, where the kitchen is

semi-concealed within bare concrete walls. A slim staircase leads to the

upper floor where bedrooms, bathroom and a study are finished in

more traditionally domestic materials. Energy efficiency was planned i

n

from the start, with triple glazing on those huge windows – which are

orientated north to south to maximize light and admit desirable sola

r

gain – and a heat and energy recovery ventilation system. The tactile

qualities of the materials used are drawn out in the design, down to the

choice of GROHE Europlus faucets, selected for the scheme because o

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the range’s design values of clarity and ergonomics.

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