Pavillion House by Rusafova Markulis

In response to site constraints and the programmatic requirement for a simple, single-level home, the design is composed of two pavilions: a social wing and a private bedroom wing. A two-car carport frames an auto-court toward the street. The placement of the pavilions on the site employs the ancient technique of “shakkei,” or “borrowed landscape,” presenting austere facades to the street and neighboring houses. Ample glazing on the rear connects these spaces to meadow views towards the south.

The wings shift in plan, defining the main entry, a glass connector with a backyard view. Inside, the main pavilion to the left features higher ceilings and consolidates the kitchen, dining area, and living room into one single space. The owner, an avid cook, accesses the social wing through the mud entry off the carport, leading to the kitchen equipped with plenty of counter space, a gracious island, and a cozy pantry. A sliding door connects the kitchen to an outdoor grill area.

The private wing comprises a guest bedroom, music room, and a primary bedroom suite. Utilitarian spaces are oriented towards the street, while bedrooms face south, with access to the covered deck via sliding doors. Each room connects to the deck, encouraging daily use of the outdoor corridor and promoting an outdoor lifestyle.

The interiors are clean and minimal, featuring generous open spaces, white oak wood flooring, millwork, and dark gray accents. The two pavilions and the carport are clad in corten steel, a utilitarian material that requires no upkeep. The steel weathers over time, aligning with the house’s theme of age and adaptation to the environment.