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House for a Florist

December 2022

Ithaca, NY

House for a Florist

Designed as both a home and workspace for a florist, this project integrates domestic life with the florist’s craft. The layout is structured into three realms—private, semi-private, and public—balancing seclusion, interaction, and functionality.
The private realm houses essential living spaces, including the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, offering a retreat from public-facing functions. The semi-private realm features a workshop where floral arrangements are crafted—visible to shoppers but separate to maintain both engagement and privacy. The public realm, consisting of a flower shop and greenhouse, invites customers into the florist’s world while reinforcing a direct connection to nature. These spaces take inspiration from the organic form of a flower, unfolding as four interlocking petals that shape the structure.
The façade of wood columns and glazing creates a rhythmic contrast between structure and transparency, emphasizing the interplay between built and natural environments. A fully transparent greenhouse further dissolves the boundary between interior and exterior. The house’s orientation and height maximize sunlight exposure, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth while fostering a connection to the changing environment.
At the center, a courtyard with a tree and skylight serves as a quiet retreat, with an overlooking balcony providing a space for pause and reflection. More than a residence and workplace, the home functions as a thoughtfully designed environment where architecture supports both living and working in harmony with nature.

Diagrams

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