Our fifth reveal for the 2018 Clifton House Tour is the Alscher Hancock House built in 2013.
This imaginative exercise in residential infill integrates Twentieth Century Modernism with more recent contemporary architecture, while being distinct from, yet compatible with, the surrounding historically-inflected homes.
The basically box-like form of their residence is actually an “L” shape hat opens up an extra seven degrees. The roof appears deceptively flat but is also slightly angled toward the center in what is known as a “butterfly” form. The home is enlivened outside and in by intersecting shapes at narrow angles that provide deep overhangs above the front entry and rear deck, as well as oriel windows (hanging bays) that relieve the rectangular overall form. The theme of angularity continues with the double butterfly shape of the roof recalling Mid-Century Modern design, with its high sides dipping downward to a central valley that provides both interior drama and efficient drainage. For the home’s façades, a juxtaposition between materials is created; although its basic exterior surfaces have a smooth stucco finish, raised panels of concrete block masonry are openly treated as mere veneer in order to be structurally honest, since they are non-load- bearing yet establish a layered, textural contrast. Also, stone was selected to relate sensitively to the native stone found in the site and reused in the landscaping.
The Alscher Hancock House has achieved the highest level of LEED certification-
Platinum.
The above is just a small portion of what is written in the tour book. Learn more about this home on the Clifton House Tour. Buy your tickets in advance for $20 or on May 13 for $25.
