SYNOPSIS

94.2 is the first of a series of 16 residences on a clifftop site in the American Pacific Northwest. The project makes use of a technique of tumbling cedar burl offcuts (a high-quality waste product of the local logging industry) to create numerous boulder-shaped modules ranging in size from 150 – 350mm. These wood boulders are bundled in large baskets and used as void forms against which concrete is cast, creating the rooms and skylights of the residence, and leaving a negative impression of their form as interior finish. After the concrete cures, the now petrified wood boulders are mounted to metal standoffs on the cliff-facing west facade, to create a cloud-like building envelope. This suspended wooden skin creates a kinetic performance as the stones gently knock and sway alongside their forested surroundings. Over time, mosses and lichens will grow on the wood boulders, creating a living veil. In contrast, the east facade of the house is buried, allowing the forest to extend up over the roof to the cliff’s edge. Entry is through a discreet path set between retaining walls, contrasting the experience of entering a cavernous underground space to the sudden discovery of being suspended over the edge of the cliff. Austen has spent the three last years working on the plan, interior details, millwork, and visualizations for this project. He hasalso been involved in implementing VR walkthroughs for the complex landscape design. The images seen are a culmination of his work on 94.