The Moreland Residence combines the linear quality of the local “Shotgun” house typology with the side entry found in the Charleston Single House. The axial circulation links a sequence of distinct programmatic elements across the length of the site. Along this path, a series of articulated thresholds modulate programmatic transitions as the formal procession moves from the buildings more public character of the west elevation to the relatively private east side. More boundary than object, the main building volume sits tight to the north property line, maximizing the size of the south courtyard.
Organized around a series of outdoor rooms, gardens, and courtyards the project provides a range of outdoor living areas aimed at reclaiming languid traditions. The spatial and experiential organization blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior. Programmatically, this blurring embraces the contingencies of climate to expand the functional limits of domestic space. Serving as a constant reminder and enticement the interior realm features a series framed vistas highlighting the patterns of light and shadow cast by the surrounding trees while an abundance of operable doors and windows provide cross ventilation and constant enticement.
Five significant outdoor spaces organize and animate the project. Moving from West to East, the arrival sequence passes through the front yard, under the large two-story roof overhang and into the entry vestibule. Similar to a front porch the entry vestibule and outdoor dining room combine to provide a transition between the public street and the domestic realm as well as between indoor and outdoor habitation.
Through the front door the axial circulation sequence derived from the shotgun house continues into the main public core where the double height LR/DR volume occupies the center of the house. Large transparent planes of glass on the north and south allow the interior space to visually extend beyond the walls of the building and into the adjacent outdoor spaces.
To the east end of the house the axial circulation sequence moves back outside, along the edge of a private garden dominated by a single Pecan tree, and through the back gate. Defined by the house, fence, and shed the full effect of this meditative space is experienced from inside the stacked bedrooms where expansive windows frame the tree trunk and canopy. Morning sun casts evocative shadows into the rooms while afternoon shadows are projected against the simple, corrugated shed.
Back In the center of the house a staircase rises to the second floor bridge leading to the final outdoor space. Adjacent to the library/study two magnificent Oak trees encapsulate the balcony and filter the setting sun. Dominating the west elevation this subtracted element in the main volume of the building both foreshadows and concludes a spatial sequence inspired by the simple act of sitting outside.